Cool MateHow was it vs How'd it go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
How was it
Top 2,000 (common)
How'd it go
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: How was itMost common: How was it
| How was it | How'd it go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //haʊ wəz ɪt//🇺🇸 //haʊ wəz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //haʊd ɪt ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //haʊd ɪt ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | A way to ask about someone's experience. | A casual way to ask how something happened or the result of an event. |
| Example | After the concert, I asked my friend, 'How was it?' | How'd it go with your presentation today? |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | How was the event?, How was your day?, How was the meeting? | how'd it go, how'd it turn out, how'd it happen |
| Common mistakes | Misusing in formal contexts like business meetings., Not specifying the experience, which may cause confusion. | Overusing it in formal situations., Not using it with a question intonation., Confusing with 'How did it go?' |
| Usage notes | Used in conversation to inquire about experiences, often informal. It may not be appropriate in very formal situations. | Use in friendly conversations, typically when asking someone about an experience or event they attended. It's not suitable for formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: How was it vs How'd it go
What's the difference between How was it and How'd it go?
How was it: A way to ask about someone's experience. How'd it go: A casual way to ask how something happened or the result of an event.
Which is more formal: How was it and How'd it go?
How was it is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: How was it and How'd it go?
How was it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
How was it: After the concert, I asked my friend, 'How was it?' How'd it go: How'd it go with your presentation today?
Can I use How was it and How'd it go interchangeably?
Not always. How was it and How'd it go are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.