Which is correct 'What' or 'How' ?

[riceball72]

Hi Everyone,

Could you please tell me your opinion on the following question. Using 'What' sounds better to me to match the answer, but my co-worker thinks 'How'.
Are they both correct? Are there any grammatical reason for one being better suited than the other in this situation?

Q1: What was Mr. Fogg's servant expected to be?

Q2: How was Mr. Fogg's servant expected to be?

A: Mr. Fogg's servant was expected to be prompt and regular.

For me 'What' sounds more natural to get the answer provided. I think it is because I want to answer the 'How' question with emotions or something along those lines... where as 'what' for me is more 'characteristic' for his work etc.....

Not sure if my thinking is in the right direction, but any opinions would be appreciated.

smiles
riceball

[rancher247]

I'm thinking "how" because "prompt" and "regular" are characteristics of his work, which would be an adverb. I don't really know how to explain this, but I'm very sure that you should use "how".

[Humble]

Hi,
Both grate on my ear. They are adjectives, not adverbs. I know, in AmE adjectives sometimes are used instead of adverbs. Still...
I'd perhaps say:
What was Mr.Fogg's servant expected to be like?

Regards