Key Difference: Usually, we use the word How and Why to ask about something. These two are the most used questions in the English language. The term “how” refers to know the manner of doing something. Whereas, why is used to know the purpose or reason for an action. In this useful post, we will see the explanations of how/when/where to use these questions in English. Let’s see them one by one.
How: I have no idea how to finish the task.
Why: Why are you looking at me?
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How:
It shows the manner of something.
As we said earlier, the question “How” is used to know the manner of doing some work. In other words, with the help of this question, we will get to know by what method something happened. Let’s see an example to make it clear. Jacob said I want to learn how to swim in the river. From this statement, we might understand that Jacob wants to learn to swim. Here, we come up with another example for your reference. Let me show you how to catch the ball. From this sentence, we might understand that someone said that he/she will show you how to catch the ball while playing.
How Do We Spell the Word How?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word How is haʊ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word How using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “How” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “How” in sentences:
- I really don’t know how to draw this picture.
- How are you, Ronnie?
- Please tell me, how to go there?
- He asked his mom, how to cook a meal.
- How much does it cost?
Why:
To ask for a reason.
The question why will determine the reason or purpose of an action. Why means for what or for what reason? We can ask in any way at our convenience. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Why didn’t you call me? From this question, we might understand that someone asks, for what reason you didn’t call me. Here we come up with another example for your reference. Tom says this is why I quit the job. From this statement, we might understand that Tom quit his job for a reason.
How Do We Spell the Word Why?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word Why is waɪ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Why” by syllables.
- The word “Why” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Why” in sentences:
- Why do you ask?
- That’s why I came here.
- Why did you come early?
- Tell me why you want to go there.
- I don’t know why she suddenly shouts at you.
Compare: How Vs Why
This table will show the contradiction between the words’ How and Why.
| How | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to the method to do something. | It is used to determine the cause or purpose of an action. |
| Synonyms | In what way, by what method, In what manner, show how. | For what reason, for what purpose, how come |
| Parts of Speech | Adverb | adverb, noun, conjunction |
| Etymology | Old English hū, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoe, also to who and what. | Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin. |
| Examples | How was your day? I asked how to turn on the machine. How to open it? This is how I made this pot. Do you know how to speak with others? | Why are you so late? Could you please tell me why I have to apologize? Why did he avoid me? Why are you so upset? My parents are the reason why I am successful. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (How, Why), Merriam-Webster (How, Why), Collins Dictionary (How, Why), Dictionary.com (How, Why)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].