Consider these two questions:
How is your boss?
What is your boss like?
Could you answer them both confidently?
Let’s break it down…
How is your boss? Would ask about their current state or mood.
What is your boss like? Asks for a description of their personality
So for the first you might answer, “she has been a bit stressed recently.”
And for the second you could say, “She is nice, very approachable and empathetic.”
So although ¿cómo es tu jefe? can translate directly into "how is your boss?", it often the case that what you are really asking would be “what is your boss like?” in English.
It could be the same for your house or flat.
¿Cómo es tu casa?
Would you really ask, “how is your house?” - Maybe, if you there had been a problem.
“How is your house? Did the leak (fuga) cause any damage?”
But more likely you will want to ask, “What is your house like?”
This way you will get a description, of its style and size.
How = feelings and conditions.
What like = personality, appearance or characteristics.
Hope that helps. Until next week!
Make sure to use the right one when chatting
This week’s 3 tips:
SOMETHING TO AVOID 🫣
🤦🏻♀️ “How is the weather?”
This is acceptable, but you are usually referring to the weather right now. Answers could include:
It's raining at the moment
It’s really windy right now
✅ “What is the weather like?”
This asks for a description of typical or overall weather patterns and qualities (e.g., describing the climate or daily variations). Answers could include:
It's mostly sunny throughout the year, but it rains a lot in the spring
Summers are really hot and dry, while winters are cold and wet
SOMETHING TO SOUND CONFIDENT 🧐
👔 Business jargon explained
“Know-how”
The practical knowledge or expertise in a particular area. Especially the ability to perform tasks efficiently or solve problems based on experience and skills.
It's the kind of knowledge that is often acquired through practice and hands-on experience rather than through formal education.
A mechanic has the know-how to fix a specific engine problem while a chef has the know-how to prepare complex dishes
Click below to read an article on the subject 👇
SOMETHING TO WATCH 👀
Remember to download our new app to your phone.
For a step-by-step guide read edition #048
SOMETHING EXTRA 🤗
Keep learning,
The Crystal Clear English Team
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