Is How A Conjunction? 5 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

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Conjunctions are words that are used as connective or linking words. We use them to link thoughts, ideas, or actions. The word ‘how’ acts as a conjunction. Let us get to know it.

The word ‘how’ is a conjunction because it can be used in a sentence to join different ideas together to frame a single sentence. We can use it as a conjunction to join two different ideas. 

Ex- Robindranath knew how he would solve the puzzle.

Explanation- In this sentence the word ‘how’ is used as a conjunction by joining two different ideas together and framing a single sentence.

Let us discuss more facts related to it.

When is ‘how’ a conjunction?

The word ‘how’ is a connector. Here we shall explain when it is a conjunction. 

We refer to the method of doing something by the word ‘how’. It can be a conjunction when we mention distance and degree. It is also called a conjunction when it connects two clauses to make a single sentence.

Ex- My father permits me to lead my life how I wish to lead.

Explanation- In this sentence, the two clauses are connected together to make a single sentence.

Why is ‘how’ a subordinating conjunction?

Here we will examine how the word ‘how’ is a subordinating conjunction.

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects two opposite clauses-one is the main clause and the other is a dependent clause. Through the word ‘how’ we get the idea of an informative value of the clause.

We also get to know the main idea of the sentence. It also gives us the cause and effect relationship of the idea.

Ex- Deepanjan did not know how he could do the sum.

Explanation- In this example, the word ‘how’ joins the opposite clauses. We have the idea of cause sense through it.

Examples of ‘how’ as subordinating conjunction:

The following examples show how the word ‘how’ is used as subordinating conjunction.

Look at the table below.

Serial NumberExamplesExplanations
1.The visitors wonder how they will visit the spot.This is the example where the word ‘how’ is used as a subordinating conjunction. 
2.Do you know how to make a kite?Here it is seen that the word ‘how’ joins two opposite clauses.
3.Tania does not know how to write a letter.In this sentence, we see that ‘how’ connects two opposite clauses and makes a complex sentence.
4.Sarmistha asked me how old I old was.The example shows that the word ‘how’ connects the main clause and the subclause.
5.The weather forecast predicts how much worse it is going to be.Here the word ‘how’ has been used to connect the main clause and a dependent clause and makes a complex sentence.
Examples of ‘how’ as subordinating conjunction

When is ‘how’ not considered as conjunction?

The word ‘how’ is used as a conjunction. But sometimes it is not used as a conjunction. Let us explore it.

We have already known that ‘how’ is used as a conjunction. The word ‘how’ is also used as an adverb, as an adjective, and even as a noun. The following situations show ‘how’ is used as other parts of speech.

Look at the table below.

Serial numberSituationsExamplesExplanations
1.As an adjectiveHow is your father?Here the word ‘how’ is used as an adjective. It modifies the noun ‘father’.
2.As a nounHow do you solve this problem?Here ‘how’ is used to modify the verb ‘solve’ and acts as an adverb. It shows the manner.
3.As an adverbThe headmaster knows the matter in its why and how.In this sentence, ‘how’ represents the matter and it refers to a noun.
Examples of ‘how’ not considered as conjunction

Examples of ‘how’ not considered as conjunctions:

The word ‘how’ can be used in sentences as a noun, as an adjective, and as an adverb. The following examples indicate the use of the word ‘how’ in other parts of speech besides a conjunction.

Look at the table below.

Serial numberExamples Explanations
1.How long is the distance from Delhi to Chennai?Here the word ‘ho’ is used as an adverb. It modifies the adjective ‘long’.
2.The students are asked to say about the whys and hows of the solutions.In this sentence, the word ‘hows’ is used as a noun. It refers to the noun ‘solutions’ here.
3.How did the man die?Here the word ‘how’ is used as an adverb. It modifies the verb ‘die’.
Examples of ‘how’ not considered as conjunctions

Conclusion

This article is a detailed explanation of the usage of the word ‘how’ as a conjunction. It also deals with the explanation of ‘how’ is used as other parts of speech. We will learn the right usage of the word ‘how’ in different parts of speech.