Cool MateHow was it vs How'd you like it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
How was it
Top 2,000 (common)
How'd you like it
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: How was itMost common: How was it
| How was it | How'd you like it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //haʊ wəz ɪt//🇺🇸 //haʊ wəz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //haʊd jʊ laɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //haʊd jʊ laɪk ɪt// |
| Meaning | A way to ask about someone's experience. | What did you think about it? |
| Example | After the concert, I asked my friend, 'How was it?' | So, how'd you like it at the concert last night? |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | How was the event?, How was your day?, How was the meeting? | how'd you like it at, how'd you like it in, how'd you like it when |
| Common mistakes | Misusing in formal contexts like business meetings., Not specifying the experience, which may cause confusion. | Confusing with 'how do you like it' for present situations, Omitting 'you' — incorrect as 'how'd like it?', Using in overly formal situations |
| Usage notes | Used in conversation to inquire about experiences, often informal. It may not be appropriate in very formal situations. | Used in casual conversations to ask someone's opinion. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: How was it vs How'd you like it
What's the difference between How was it and How'd you like it?
How was it: A way to ask about someone's experience. How'd you like it: What did you think about it?
Which is more formal: How was it and How'd you like it?
How was it is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: How was it and How'd you like it?
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 you like it: So, how'd you like it at the concert last night?
Can I use How was it and How'd you like it interchangeably?
Not always. How was it and How'd you like it 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.