When asking a general question about something in English, should they be formed in plural or in singular? Or rather what is a good way of forming it?

How are proverbs constructed in English?

Or

How is a proverb constructed in English?

When asking a general question about something in English, should they be formed in plural or in singular? Or rather what is a good way of forming it?

How are articles used in English?

Or

How is an article used in English?