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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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How it went

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is how it went.

I was pleased with how it went.

News & Media

The New York Times

His assessment of how it went?

How it went: Pretty well!

Here's how it went down.

"That's how it went today.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

See how it goes.

News & Media

The New York Times

Here is how it goes.

News & Media

The New York Times

We know how it goes.

News & Media

The New York Times

This is how it goes.

Which is how it goes.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: