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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
How it went
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"how it went" can be used in written English
It is typically used when referring to an event or experience that someone completed and wants to know the outcome. For example, "I had a job interview this morning; can you tell me how it went?"
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Sports
General Conversation
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
54 human-written examples
This is how it went.
News & Media
I was pleased with how it went.
News & Media
His assessment of how it went?
News & Media
How it went: Pretty well!
News & Media
Here's how it went down.
News & Media
"That's how it went today.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
6 human-written examples
See how it goes.
News & Media
Here is how it goes.
News & Media
We know how it goes.
News & Media
This is how it goes.
News & Media
Which is how it goes.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "how it went" in writing, ensure the context is clear. Specify what "it" refers to, especially if the subject isn't immediately obvious to the reader.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "how it went" without a clear antecedent for "it". Readers should easily understand what event or situation you are referring to. Unclear references can lead to confusion.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "how it went" functions as an interrogative clause within a sentence, often serving as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is generally grammatically correct and widely used.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
66%
Sports
18%
Wiki
3%
⚠ Less common in
Science
1%
Formal & Business
1%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "how it went" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about the outcome or experience of a past event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, context is crucial; formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "what was the result?" or "could you provide a summary?" Remember to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to, avoiding vague pronoun references. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively use "how it went" or its alternatives to communicate clearly and appropriately.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
how did it turn out
Specifically asks about the final result or outcome.
what was the result
Directly seeks the outcome of a specific action or event.
what happened
Focuses on the sequence of events without necessarily implying a judgment or evaluation.
how did it fare
Implies an assessment of success or well-being after a particular event.
what took place
More formal than "what happened", suitable for official reports or serious discussions.
how did everything unfold
Focuses on the way events gradually revealed themselves or played out.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "how it went" in a sentence?
You can use "how it went" to ask for a summary of an event. For example, "The interview is over, tell me "how it went"".
What's a more formal alternative to "how it went"?
For a more formal tone, you could ask "What was the outcome?" or "Could you provide a summary of the proceedings?", depending on the context.
Is "how it went down" the same as "how it went"?
"How it went down" implies a more detailed, often dramatic, account of events. While similar, it suggests a deeper dive into the specifics compared to the more general ""how it went"".
Can "how it went" be used for future events?
No, ""how it went"" refers to something that has already happened. For future events, you'd ask "how it will go" or "how it is expected to go".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested