Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #117961: What... like or How

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What... like or How - English lesson

Again, these constructions have already been studied in lesson test, but the sentences of the exercise hadn't been translated into French. You've asked for it... Here's a complete and different exercise. You'll have to understand the difference between the two structures, which are very common in English, and learn how to use one or the other when required.

1) ‘How' is used to ask information about somebody's health or the condition of something, or inquire about news of somebody.

- “How's your sister Mary after her stay in hospital?” “She's much better! She has totally recovered.”

2) On the contrary : ‘What ... like?' asks a question about somebody's physical aspect or about the description of something.

- What's your sister Mary like ? She's tall and slim, she has big blue eyes !

- 'To be ...like'... refers to somebody's physical appearance or character. We're asked an opinion about somebody's appearance.

- What's Tom like?/ What does Tom look like? He's big and tall, with muscles : a real athlete!

Beware of the different meanings of:

- What's your sister like? Wonderful! She' small and brown-haired.

versus:

- What does your sister like? She likes pizzas and French fries, but she hates vegetables ... (Here, 'like' is a verb)

B E W A R E! In a direct interrogative clause (a normal question) the word order is : Interrogative word + verb + subject + ?

- How is he? How are you today?

ON THE CONTRARY: in an indirect interrogative clause, introduced by : 'She asks him...'/ "I wonder" : the word order becomes : Introduction+ interrogative word+ subject+ verb.

- She tells me what he is like.// I wonder how he is today...

= indirect exclamative form

Well! I'm sure you're ready to face the test now. Good luck and THE FORCE with you!

(Be very careful... This time, there will be several indirect forms modifying the usual constructions... )

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1. ' Well! this morning, Lucy? I hope you’re feeling better after this good night’s sleep...'

2. ' Staying at Sara’s? Never! She’s so bad-tempered... ' ' Really, tell me ... ' ' Simply: selfish, self-centered, jealous... In a word: unbearable!'

3. ' Of course I’m going to the mountains with you, but ? I was told the nights were very cold there... Is it true?'

4. ' You’re back from visiting your mom in hospital... today? ' ' A little better, thanks! '

5. ' I know she doesn’t want to be a burden, but I have to know . I won’t take risks...'

6. ' Yes, Dad will go to the station to fetch your friend... but he’s never seen her. ?' ' He can’t miss her! She has beautiful long wavy red hair...'

7. ' I’m looking forward to the baby’s birth... I wonder ... Just like me or very different?'

8. ' Yes, I’m calling to ask about Mrs Jackson who had an operation this morning. Can you tell me , please?'

9. ' ? Is it an SUV, a sports car or a van? How many people can you carry?'

10. ' today? Do you think he’ll be able to go to work, or not?'

End of the free exercise to learn English: What... like or How
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