一、基本义为“怎么样”

一How did you come? —I came by plane. 一你是怎么来的? 一我是乘飞机来的。

一How do you start the engine? 一You press the button. 一怎样启动发动机? 一按这个按钮。

二、修饰形容词

How strong are you? 你有多大劲儿?

How important is this letter? 这封信的重要性有多大?

三、与much和many连用

How much (money) do you want? 你需要多少钱?

How many (pictures) did you buy? 你买了多少幅（画）?

四、与副词连用

How fast does he drive? 他开得有多快?

How often do you go abroad? 你多长时间出一次国?

How badly was he hurt? 他伤得怎么样?

How soon can you come? 你多快能赶来?

注意How is she?（她身体怎么样?）询问的是她的健康状况，而What is she like?（她长得什么样?）询问的是她的外貌。
另外，不要把How are you?（你身体怎么样?）和How do you do?（您好!）搞混。当两个人被介绍认识时，双方都说How do you do?这只是一句问候语而不是真的提出一个问题。