20 ways to ask «How are you?» in English
Discover the 20 best alternatives to ‘How are you?’ in English. Improve your fluency and diversify your vocabulary with KSE Academy®.
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In learning English, one of the first phrases taught is «How are you?». However, this is not the only way to ask someone how they are in English. Depending on the context, the required formality, and your relationship with the person you are addressing, there are a variety of ways you can ask how things are. Here are 20 alternatives to «How are you?».
How to ask «How are you?» in formal English
Below are more formal phrases that are suitable for professional or ceremonial situations.
«How do you do?»
This formal and somewhat old-fashioned greeting is often used in formal meetings or business situations. «How do you do?» is an expression dating back to traditional British etiquette and has remained a respectable and formal way of greeting in the English-speaking world. It is most commonly used during formal introductions or in business contexts, where courtesy and formality are highly valued.
Currently, the phrase may sound a little old-fashioned and possibly too formal in certain contexts, especially in informal conversations and among young people. However, it still has its place in formal situations and provides a safe and respectable way to greet someone, especially when meeting for the first time in a professional or business context.
«How have you been recently?»
«How have you been recently?» is an expression used to inquire personally and seriously about someone’s recent state. It is a more direct and detailed approach than a simple «How are you?», as we are now specifically interested in how this person has been recently. This phrase is very useful when you have been apart from someone for a while and want to express genuine interest in what has been happening in their life in recent weeks, months, or even years.
Remember, answers to this question can range from a simple «Fine, thank you» to a detailed (possibly endless!) account of recent events. So if you choose to use this question, be prepared to listen and show interest in the response. 😅
«I trust you are well?»
«I trust you are well?» is a formal and respectful way of expressing interest in the other person’s well-being, particularly useful in written correspondence. This form of greeting is commonly employed in professional or academic contexts and is especially frequent in business emails. Unlike other ways of asking «How are you?», this expression does not always expect a direct answer, but rather is used to establish a tone of courtesy and consideration at the beginning of a written communication.
The phrase «I trust you are well?» also conveys a sense of implicit confidence towards the recipient. By using the word «trust», we are indicating that we have a positive expectation about the other person’s condition. However, due to its level of formality, this phrase can seem too rigid or distant in casual conversations or with people with whom we have a close relationship.
«I hope this message finds you well?»
Similar to the previous one, it is also commonly used in written correspondence and conveys a feeling of formal concern for the other person’s well-being. «I hope this message finds you well» is another formal and polite way to initiate written communication. This expression is widely used in written correspondence, whether in letters or emails, and especially in professional or formal contexts. It is a delicate way of showing interest and consideration for the recipient’s well-being before moving on to the main subject of the message.
This phrase evokes a tone of cordiality and respect, and like «I trust you are well?», it does not necessarily require a direct response. One could say that the phrase itself is more a formality and a way to establish a friendly tone in the conversation. However, its use can make the communication seem more attentive and respectful.
How to ask «How are you?» in standard English
Standard phrases are ideal for most everyday situations and with a variety of people.
«How are you doing?»
This is a common variation of «How are you?» that is used in a wide range of situations. «How are you doing?» is one of the most common and versatile variations of «How are you?». Unlike the more formal phrases we have seen above, this question can be used in a wide range of situations and with different levels of formality. It is equally appropriate in a business meeting, a casual conversation with a friend, or a chance encounter with an acquaintance.
This expression is often used in American English and has a slightly more informal and friendly tone than a simple «How are you?». Compared to more formal phrases, «How are you doing?» can sound more sincere and genuine, especially when said with a warm and friendly tone of voice. However, as with «How are you?», answers to «How are you doing?» can range from a simple «Fine, thanks» to a detailed description of how the person’s day is going.
«Are you okay?»
«Are you okay?» is a direct and clear question about someone’s well-being. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal, depending on the relationship between the parties involved and the specific situation. Often, it is used when there is genuine concern for someone’s emotional or physical state, as it goes beyond mere politeness and shows real interest in the person.
This question can be especially useful in situations where something appears to be wrong. For example, if you notice that someone seems sad, worried, or unwell, you can use «Are you okay?» to express your concern and open the door to a deeper conversation.
«What’s new with you?»
«What’s new with you?» is a friendly and casual question used to inquire about recent events in the life of someone you know. This question is quite open and allows the person being asked the freedom to share what they want, whether it’s a major life update, a small everyday detail, or anything in between.
This expression is very useful in informal and friendly situations, such as meeting an old friend, chatting with a colleague during a break, or talking on the phone with a relative you haven’t seen in a while. It not only provides a simple way to catch up but also demonstrates your interest in the other person and what has been happening in their life.
«How’s life?»
«How’s life?» is an informal and relaxed question used to ask someone how they are in a broader sense. This expression is frequently used in casual situations and friendly conversations to ask about someone’s general state. It doesn’t focus solely on the present moment, as «How are you?» would, but encompasses a broader perspective of the person’s life.
By using «How’s life?», you are asking someone to make a general assessment of their life at that moment. It can cover their job, personal life, hobbies, health, or any other aspect the person deems relevant. Due to its informal and relaxed nature, this question often opens the door to deeper and more personal conversations. However, the answer can vary greatly depending on the person and the situation. Some may respond with a simple «Good, thanks», while others may take the opportunity to share more specific details about their lives.
«How have you been?»
Similar to «How are you?», but used when you haven’t seen someone for a while and are interested in knowing how they have been. This question shows a more genuine interest in the other person’s well-being over a longer period. It is especially useful when you meet someone you haven’t seen in some time.
By asking this question, you show that you not only care how the person is at this moment but also are interested in what has happened in their life since you last spoke. This can open the door to a deeper and more meaningful conversation, allowing for a genuine exchange between the two parties.
«How’s your day going?»
«How’s your day going?» is a more specific and timely question that focuses on the progress of someone’s current day. Instead of asking about a person’s general state or long-term well-being, this expression is used to ask how the last few hours have passed since the day began.
It can be an excellent way to start a conversation, show interest and concern for the other person, and provide an opportunity for them to share the experiences, challenges, or achievements they have had during the day. This question, although simple, can be a good way to strengthen relationships and demonstrate empathy and understanding.
How to ask «How are you?» in informal English
These informal phrases are ideal for relaxed situations and with close friends or family.
«What’s up?»
«What’s up?» is an extremely informal and friendly phrase, commonly used among friends, classmates, close family, or colleagues with whom one has a more relaxed relationship. This expression can function as an open question, inviting the other person to share what they have been doing, anything interesting that has happened recently, or even what they are thinking at that moment. «What’s up?» can also be used simply as a casual greeting, similar to «Hello» or «Hi». In essence, this expression is a light-hearted and accessible way to start a conversation or maintain fluid communication with someone you know well.
«How’s it going?»
«How’s it going?» is a more relaxed and casual way to ask «How are you?». It is used in informal settings, and often among friends, colleagues, and people of similar age or rank. Although this expression can be employed in a variety of situations, it conveys a sense of camaraderie and familiarity.
Like «What’s up?», it can be used both to inquire about someone’s state and to start a conversation in a non-formal way. «How’s it going?» offers a perfect balance between showing interest in someone’s well-being and maintaining a casual and friendly conversational tone.
«How ya doing?»
«How ya doing?» is the most informal variation of «How are you doing?», commonly used in friendly and relaxed conversations. This phrase gained fame thanks to the character Joey Tribbiani from «Friends». Joey used this greeting not only as a way to ask how others were but also as an attempt to flirt with women. Although in real life this phrase does not have the same comical or flirtatious effect, «How ya doing?» remains a colloquial and affectionate way of asking about someone’s well-being, generally reserved for people with whom one has a close and comfortable relationship.
«What’s new?»
«What’s new?» is a brief and direct question used to ask someone about recent news or changes in their life. This expression allows the other person to share any updates or significant events that have occurred recently, providing an excellent opportunity to catch up and stay informed about others’ lives.
«What’s good?»
«What’s good?» is a quite modern and very informal expression often used among friends. It has a friendly and playful tone, and can be used both to ask about someone’s well-being and to inquire about anything positive or exciting that is happening in their life.
«How’s everything?»
«How’s everything?» is a relaxed and general way to ask someone how they are. Although informal, it is also neutral enough to be used in a variety of contexts. By asking «How’s everything?», you show a genuine interest in knowing various aspects of the person’s life.
«What’s happening?»
«What’s happening?» is a casual question commonly used to ask someone what they are doing at that moment or what is going on in their immediate surroundings. It is a way of expressing interest in someone’s current activities and can be an excellent way to start a conversation.
«What’s the craic?»
«What’s the craic?» is an Irish expression often used to ask «What’s up?» or «How are you?». Although specific to Ireland, it has become more recognised globally thanks to pop culture. It is a playful and friendly phrase that reflects the famous Irish spirit of camaraderie.
«You alright?»
«You alright?» is a very informal way, often used in the United Kingdom, to ask «How are you?». It may seem direct, but it is actually a casual and friendly greeting. It is important to note that this phrase can be answered with a simple «Yes, you?».
«What’s kicking?»
«What’s kicking?» is a very informal way of asking someone what is going on in their life. It is a playful and friendly expression that can be used in a relaxed conversation, especially among friends. It provides an opportunity to share recent experiences, news, or simply talk about daily life.
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Conclusion
Learning to vary and adapt your English to all contexts is an important part of acquiring skills in a second language. With these 20 ways to ask «How are you?» you can add variety and authenticity to your spoken and written English. Remember, the choice of phrase will depend on the context, the required level of formality, and your relationship with the person you are addressing. Keep practising and don’t be afraid to experiment with new forms of expression in English!
Until the next article, don’t forget to keep smiling! 🙂