Home > Grammar > Details > Interrogative adverbs: why, when, where, how
 

A.    why? means 'for what reason?':

Why was he late? ~ He missed the bus.

 Interrogatives

B.    when? means 'at what time?':

When do you get up? ~ 7 a.m.

C.     where? means 'in what place?':

Where do you live? ~ In London.

D.     how? means 'in what way?':

How did you come? ~ I came by plane.

How do you start the engine? ~ You press this button.

how can also be used:

1.     With adjectives:

How strong are you?     

How important is this letter?

2.     With much and many:

How much (money) do you want?

How many (pictures) did you buy?

3 .    With adverbs:

How fast does he drive?      How often do you go abroad?

How badly was he hurt?     

How soon can you come?

Note that How is she? is an enquiry about her health, but What is she like? is a request for a description.

Do not confuse How are you? with How do you do? When two people are introduced each says How do you do? This is a greeting rather than a question.