how is that

USAGE SUMMARY

"how is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common expression used to ask about the current state or condition of something. An example of using "how is that" in a sentence is: "I heard you were feeling under the weather. How is that cold of yours?" In this example, the speaker is asking about the person's current state of being sick. "How is that" is a shortened form of "how is that [thing/person/situation] doing?" It can be used in various situations, such as asking about someone's health, the progress of a project, or the outcome of a decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And how is that?

The New York Times - Magazine

How is that absorbed?

The New York Times - Sports

"How is that happening?

Independent

How is that bearable?

Independent

How is that possible?

The New York Times

How is that inevitable?

The New Yorker

How is that gloomy?

The New York Times

How is that right?

The Guardian

How is that so?

The New York Times

So how is that possible?

The Economist

"How is that?" she asked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how is that" to seek clarification or express surprise about a statement or situation. Ensure the context is clear so the listener understands what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "how is that" when the referent of "that" is ambiguous. Always ensure the context makes it clear what you're asking about to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how is that" functions as an interrogative clause, seeking clarification or further explanation about a preceding statement or situation. It prompts the speaker to elaborate on the details or reasoning behind what was mentioned. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how is that" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for seeking clarification or expressing disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it suitable for various contexts, although it appears most commonly in news and media. The phrase functions as an interrogative clause, prompting further explanation and dialogue. While generally neutral in register, its appropriateness depends on the surrounding conversation. When using "how is that", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of the level of formality required by the situation. Alternatives such as "in what way is that" or "can you elaborate on that" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in what way is that

Adds emphasis on the manner or method being questioned.

how can that be

Implies surprise or disbelief regarding the statement.

why is that the case

Focuses on the reason or explanation behind the situation.

what makes you say that

Questions the reasoning behind a specific assertion.

what's the explanation for that

Seeks a detailed account of the underlying causes.

can you elaborate on that

Requests further information or details about a topic.

what does that entail

Asks about the consequences or implications of something.

what's the logic behind that

Focuses on the rationale or reasoning supporting a decision.

how does that work

Inquires about the process or mechanism involved.

what are the implications of that

Seeks to understand the potential effects or outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "how is that" in a sentence?

You can use "how is that" to ask for clarification or express surprise. For example, "The company's profits doubled this year. How is that possible?"

What's a more formal alternative to "how is that"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "in what way is that?", "could you elaborate on that?", or "what is the explanation for that?"

Which is correct, "how is that" or "how was that"?

The correct form depends on the tense of the situation you're referring to. Use "how is that" for present or ongoing situations and "how was that" for past situations.

What's the difference between "how is that" and "why is that"?

"How is that" seeks clarification on the process or manner, while ""why is that"" seeks the reason or cause. For example, "How is that even possible?" focuses on the mechanism, while "Why is that the case?" focuses on the reason.