The Grammar and Usage of Repetition of 'How' in English Sentences

Every English learner faces the question of 'grammatical correctness' when they seek to construct complex sentences. One such commonly questioned structure is the use of the word 'how' twice in a single sentence. This article aims to explore whether it is grammatically correct to use 'how' twice and provide examples to clarify its usage and benefits in sentence construction.

Is It Grammatically Correct to Use 'How' Twice?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use the word 'how' more than once in a single sentence. This repeated usage can often enhance the clarity and expressiveness of a sentence, allowing the writer or speaker to convey multiple aspects of a situation or question effectively.

Examples of Using 'How' Twice

The example you provided:

I dont know how he got here or how he plans to leave but how he behaves whilst here will affect how others treat him.

is a prime example of how repetition of 'how' can be used to emphasize different aspects of a situation. Here, the sentence not only inquires about the arrival and departure but also expresses concern about the individual's behavior, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the situation.

Understanding Sentence Structure and Parsing

This particular sentence can be parsed as follows:

The first 'how' occurs in the clause "how he got here" and refers to the method or manner of his arrival. The second 'how' appears in "how he plans to leave" and is also a relative clause describing the manner of his departure. The third 'how' in "how he behaves whilst here" describes the manner in which he behaves during his stay. The final 'how' in "how others treat him" concerns the method by which others react or respond to his behavior.

This detailed breakdown illustrates how the repeated use of 'how' serves to link and emphasize different components of the sentence, making the overall meaning more explicit and coherent.

Constructing Sentences with 'How' Repetition

Another example given is:

How did he arrive and how is he planning to leave

This is a clearer, more direct example, where 'how' refers to the method or means of arrival and departure. This sentence format can be highly effective, especially in situations where the focus is on the process or manner of an action.

I don't know how he decides how to repair it.

Here, the first 'how' introduces a question about the decision-making process, and the second 'how' elucidates the method or means of carrying out the repair task. This sentence structure can be particularly useful when addressing complex scenarios involving multiple steps or considerations.

Conclusion

The repeated use of 'how' in English sentences is a stylistic choice that can enhance both the clarity and the expressiveness of the message. While it is important to use such structures judiciously to avoid redundancy, there are many contexts in which the repetition of 'how' can be beneficial.

By understanding the syntax and parsing of these sentences, English learners and native speakers can use this technique to effectively convey nuanced information and emphasize important points.