that is how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an action or process that explains a previous idea. Example: I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately; that is how I decided I needed to take a break.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is how we work.

Independent

That is how it works.

The New York Times

That is how I developed.

Independent

That is how I survived".

The New Yorker

"That is how Washington works".

The New York Times

That is how governance improves.

The Economist

That is how markets work.

The New York Times

That is how we survived.

The New York Times

That is how a knuckleballer likes it.

The New York Times

That is how the system works.

The New Yorker

That is how the year is remembered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that is how", ensure that the preceding sentence or clause sets up the situation that the phrase will explain. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "that is how" without clearly establishing the situation or action it's meant to explain. Without proper context, the phrase can seem disconnected and confusing, diminishing the overall clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "that is how" is as a demonstrative phrase that introduces an explanation or clarification. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage, effectively linking a prior statement with a subsequent explanation of process, causation, or method.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is how" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that serves to provide explanations, clarify processes, or establish cause-and-effect relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While suitable for various contexts, including news, general explanations, and even some formal writing, it is essential to ensure clarity and context when using it. For more formal academic or technical writing, consider using more precise alternatives. The frequency of this phrase in reputable sources such as The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability and widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the way it is

Emphasizes acceptance of a situation or fact, often with a sense of resignation.

that's how it works

Highlights the operational mechanism or procedure involved.

this is how it is done

Focuses on the method or process for achieving a specific outcome.

this is the process

Directly identifies a sequence of actions or steps.

that explains why

Introduces a reason or justification for a preceding statement.

that clarifies things

Indicates that something has become easier to understand.

so that's why

Expresses understanding or realization of a cause or reason.

that's the reason why

Explicitly states a cause-and-effect relationship.

the explanation is

Formally introduces a reason or justification.

that serves as an explanation

Provides a more formal way of offering a reason or justification.

FAQs

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

Use "that is how" to explain a process, a cause-and-effect relationship, or to provide clarification. For example, "The system automatically updates overnight; "that is how" we ensure the latest software versions are always running".

What are some alternatives to "that is how"?

You can use alternatives like "that's the way it is", "that's how it works", or "this is how it is done" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "that is how" formal or informal?

"That is how" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, you might consider alternatives such as "this explains why" or "this is the process".

When should I avoid using "that is how"?

Avoid using "that is how" if the context is unclear or if a more precise explanation is needed. In highly technical or academic writing, more specific causal or process-oriented language may be more appropriate.