[Grammar] 'What' or 'How' does something taste like?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Bebedele

New member
Joined
Nov 6, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Malaysia
Current Location
Malaysia
Hi again, I was reading a comprehension passage and one of the questions based on the text reads like this:

Q:What does the rambutan taste like?
A:It is sweet and juicy.

Which is the correct way to ask about taste?

a) What does the rambutan taste like?
b) How does the rambutan taste like?
c) How does the rambutan taste?

Where can I find an explanation? Thank you.
 

bhaisahab

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
Hi again, I was reading a comprehension passage and one of the questions based on the text reads like this:

Q:What does the rambutan taste like?
A:It is sweet and juicy.

Which is the correct way to ask about taste?

a) What does the rambutan taste like?
b) How does the rambutan taste like?
c) How does the rambutan taste?

Where can I find an explanation? Thank you.

Only a) is correct.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
#a and #c are possible; #b is not.

(a minute later) It seems that bhai and I disagree about #c. I think that we are less likely to hear it than #a, but I still think it's possible.
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
I agree that c) is OK, not very common but OK. I would expect to hear "What does rambutan taste like?" or "How was the rambutan?" They would elicit different answers though.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top