how was that

USAGE SUMMARY

"how was that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations, such as asking for feedback or clarification, expressing surprise or disbelief, or seeking confirmation. Example: "I just finished my presentation, how was that?" (asking for feedback) Example: "I heard you got a promotion, how was that?" (expressing surprise) Example: "I wasn't sure if you wanted fries or salad, how was that?" (seeking confirmation).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

How was that was possible?

The New York Times

How was that right?

The New Yorker

How was that setting useful?

The Washington Post

How was that decision taken?

The Guardian - Books

How was that decision made?

Forbes

How was that process different?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And how is that?

The New York Times - Magazine

"How's that feel?

The New Yorker

How is that absorbed?

The New York Times - Sports

"How is that happening?

Independent

LEAR: How's that?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how was that" to solicit feedback immediately after an event or experience, ensuring the person's impressions are fresh.

Common error

Avoid using "how is that" when referring to a past event; "how was that" correctly indicates that the event has already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how was that" functions as an interrogative expression used to solicit an opinion, a reaction, or feedback regarding a past event or experience. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how was that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to request opinions or feedback about something that has already occurred. While generally neutral in tone, it is most commonly found in news media and informal contexts, and less so in formal academic or scientific writing. Be mindful to use "how was that" only when referring to past events and consider alternatives like "what are your thoughts on that" for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How did that go?

Focuses more on the process or progression of something.

What was that like?

Emphasizes the subjective experience or feeling associated with the event.

How did that feel?

Concentrates on the emotional or sensory impact.

What were your thoughts on that?

Asks for a more detailed opinion or reflection.

Can you elaborate on that?

Requests further explanation or clarification.

What's your take on that?

Seeks a brief and direct opinion.

How do you find that?

A more general way of asking for someone's opinion or experience.

What is your assessment of that?

Implies a more formal or professional evaluation.

Could you explain that further?

Requests a more in-depth explanation of a particular point.

What's the story behind that?

Asks for the background or circumstances surrounding the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "how was that" to ask for someone's opinion or experience about something that has already happened. For example, "I just finished the presentation, how was that?"

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

"How was that" refers to something in the past, while "how is that" usually refers to something happening now or a general state.

Is "how was that" formal or informal?

"How was that" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversations. In formal settings, you might prefer "What is your assessment of that?"

What can I say instead of "how was that" to sound more professional?

Instead of "how was that", you could use phrases like "What are your thoughts on that?" or "Could you provide your feedback on that?"