how is this

USAGE SUMMARY

"how is this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to ask a question, usually of the form "How is this (object or situation)?". For example: "How is this new approach to customer service going to work?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How is this allowed?

The New York Times

How is this wrong?

The New York Times

How is this different?

The New York Times

How is this humane?

The New York Times

How is this so?

The New York Times

How is this stealing?

The New York Times - Sports

How is this equality?

The New York Times

How is this explained?

The New Yorker

How is this still happening?

Independent

And how is this accomplished?

The New York Times - Arts

How is this done economically?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how is this" to express genuine curiosity or seek clarification on a topic. Ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "how is this" sarcastically or rhetorically without making your intention clear. Sarcasm can be lost in written communication, leading to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how is this" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, used to initiate questions seeking clarification, explanation, or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, mirroring the abundant examples found in the search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how is this" is a common and versatile interrogative phrase used to seek explanations, challenge assumptions, or express disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse sources make it a valuable tool for inquiry. It's important to maintain clarity and avoid unintended sarcasm when using this phrase. The phrase's prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts highlights its broad applicability. Related phrases like ""what does this mean"" or ""why is this happening"" can offer alternative ways to phrase your inquiry depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what does this mean

Focuses on understanding the meaning or implication of something.

what's the explanation for this

Seeks a reason or rationale behind a particular situation.

why is this happening

Inquires about the cause or reason for an event or occurrence.

how does this work

Asks for a description of the mechanism or process.

what's the purpose of this

Seeks to understand the intended goal or function.

what are the implications of this

Explores the potential consequences or effects.

what's so special about this

Highlights the unique or noteworthy aspects.

can you elaborate on this

Requests further detail or clarification.

where does this lead

Inquires about the future direction or outcome.

is there a reason for this

Asks if there is a rationale or justification behind something.

FAQs

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

Use "how is this" to inquire about the state, mechanism, or reason behind something. For example, "How is this different from the previous approach?"

What are some alternatives to using "how is this"?

Alternatives include "what does this mean", "why is this happening", or "how does this work" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "how is this" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "how is this" when seeking an explanation, expressing disbelief, or challenging an assumption. The tone can range from neutral inquiry to critical questioning.

What is the difference between "how is this" and "why is this"?

"How is this" typically seeks a description of a process or state, while "why is this" seeks a reason or cause. For example, "How is this machine assembled?" versus "Why is this machine malfunctioning?"