how they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'how they are' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the current condition or state of something or someone. For example, "I am amazed at how they are able to remain so positive despite all of the challenges they have faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How they are played.

The New Yorker

That's how they are.

The New York Times

Tells how they are shipped.

The New Yorker

Tells how they are chosen.

The New Yorker

Tells how they are trained.

The New Yorker

Such as how they are.

The New Yorker

Know how they are.

The New York Times - Sports

and how they are related.

Science of Computer Programming

"See how they are now?" she whispered.

The New York Times - Sports

You can see how they are.

Independent

Just look at how they are dressed".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how they are" to describe a current state or condition, particularly when emphasizing the process or manner in which something exists.

Common error

Avoid using "how they are" to predict future states. Use "how they will be" or "what they will be like" for future contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how they are" functions as a relative clause, often acting as a noun clause. It introduces information about the state, condition, or manner of a subject. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing everything from the shipping of canaries to personal well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how they are" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to describe the current state or condition of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to provide descriptive information, and it appears most frequently in news and general writing. When employing this phrase, remember to avoid using it for future scenarios and focus on its strength in portraying present circumstances. While alternatives exist, "how they are" offers a direct and effective way to convey information about the way things currently stand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their current state

Focuses on the present condition, omitting the process or manner.

the way they exist

Emphasizes the mode of being or existence, rather than specific attributes.

in what condition they are

Highlights the specific condition, but it's more verbose.

their situation

Refers to the circumstances they are in, offering a broader perspective.

what their status is

Directly asks about status, less nuanced than describing the process.

the manner of their being

A more formal and philosophical phrasing.

how their being is

A less common, slightly awkward phrasing.

the form they take

Focuses on the manifested shape or appearance.

the guise they present

Implies a deliberately chosen appearance or facade.

under what circumstances they find themselves

Emphasizes the environmental factors impacting their state.

FAQs

How can I use "how they are" in a sentence?

You can use "how they are" to describe the current state or condition of something, as in, "Let's see "how they are" after that".

What's a more formal way to say "how they are"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "their current state", "the way they exist", or "in what condition they are". However, ensure the alternative maintains the intended meaning.

Is "how they are doing" interchangeable with "how they are"?

While similar, "how they are doing" typically refers to well-being or progress, whereas ""how they are"" is a more general description of condition. For example, "Ask them "how they are doing"!" focuses on their emotional state, while "Look at "how they are acting"" is about their behavior.

Can "how they are" be used to express opinions?

Yes, you can use ""how they are"" to express opinions or observations, as in, "Just look at "how they are dressed"" to convey an opinion about their attire.