it is not how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the manner or method in which something is done, often to emphasize that the approach is not the most important aspect. Example: "It is not how you start the race, but how you finish that truly matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Designwise, "it is not how I would have done it," she said.

The New York Times

The Conservative party is many things, but on its period it is not – how could it be?

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't it the only rational thing to do? Turns out it is not how Putin sees the situation.

The Washington Post

It is not how but how many?

The Guardian - Sport

And it is not how Liberal Democrats behave in practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not how he recalls the day.

Independent

Certainly, it is not how admirable or repellent the cause.

The New York Times

It is not how Americans reacted in the past.

The Guardian

She tweeted: "It is not how I choose to react.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is not how I expected to spend my time at Treasury," Ms. Brainard said.

The New York Times

How you experience it is not how the audience experiences it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not how" to redirect focus from the method to the result, importance, or other aspects of the situation.

Common error

While widely acceptable, "it is not how" can sometimes sound informal. In strictly formal writing, consider alternatives like "the method is not" or "the manner in which" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not how" typically functions as a clause element used to negate or deemphasize the importance of the method or manner in which something is done. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not how" serves to shift focus from the method or manner of an action to its outcome, importance, or other relevant aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the overall tone and consider more formal alternatives if needed. Remember, it's often not how you say it, but what you convey that truly matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that isn't how

Uses a contraction for "is not" to create a slightly more informal tone.

that's not the way

Changes the structure to a more direct statement about a method.

that is not the right approach

Highlights the suitability of a particular method.

it's not the manner in which

Replaces "how" with a more formal phrase, "the manner in which".

it's not about the means

Emphasizes that the focus is not on the method used.

it does not happen that way

Focuses on the outcome or result rather than the process.

it's not a question of how

Shifts the focus away from the method and towards something else.

this is not the proper method

Emphasizes the correctness or appropriateness of a method.

method is not the key

Rephrases to focus on the method being unimportant.

the issue isn't the process

Specifically targets the process as the point of contention.

FAQs

What does "it is not how" mean?

The phrase "it is not how" is used to express that the manner in which something is done is not the important or relevant aspect, but rather something else, such as the outcome or the reason behind it.

How can I use "it is not how" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not how" to shift the focus away from the method to the result, for example: "It is not how you start the race, but how you finish that matters".

What can I say instead of "it is not how"?

You can use alternatives like "that is not the right approach", "that is not the way", or "it is not about the means" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is not how" or "it is not about how"?

Both "it is not how" and "it is not about how" are correct, but they have slightly different emphasis. The first focuses on method while the second on the general topic.