Are is correct for most compound subjects, except for singular meanings (i.e. mac and cheese is) and alternative subjects (you or your wife is -- you or your friends are, though -- matches subject closest to the verb). Yay for style manuals. It's not a question of more correct. Both how is and hows are correct, but they are used in different contexts. How is is the correct form when asking a question about someone or something's condition or state. On the other hand, hows is an informal or colloquial way of asking about someone's well-being or general state. The meaning of HOW IS is —used to ask someone whether he or she likes something or if something is good. How to use how is in a sentence. How Is It and How It Is are both phrases that prompt the listener to consider a situation or circumstance. However, the former implies a more immediate or specific inquiry, while the latter suggests a broader or more general reflection. Understanding the various meanings and uses of “how” is crucial for mastering English grammar and communication. “How” serves multiple functions, acting as an adverb, conjunction, and interrogative word, each with distinct implications. wikiHow is an award-winning website where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Since 2005, wikiHow has helped billions of people learn how to solve problems large and small. Find information on any domain name or website. Large database of whois information, RDAP, DNS, domain names, name servers, IPs, and tools for searching and monitoring domain names. We use What is … like? to ask for a description of someone or something (e.g. their appearance, their character, their behaviour): What’s her new house like? It’s a modern one, quite big, with a nice garden. What’s your new teacher like? He’s nice. He’s very good-looking! But he’s quite strict. We use What is … like? to ask for a description of someone or something (e.g. their appearance, their character, their behaviour): What’s her new house like? It’s a modern one, quite big, with a nice garden. What’s your new teacher like? He’s nice. He’s very good-looking! But he’s quite strict. How did you two meet each other? How did he die? How do you know that? How would I know if it's going to rain or not? How are we to interpret such behavior? How art thou called? William Shakespeare. How much longer do we have to wait? I don't know how old she is. How are you? How do you feel? How a score of ewes now? Shakespeare.