You've certainly heard these questions, but you might be confused about how to answer. Here's a list of common answers to them:
How are you?
Fine.
This is a simple, straight answer. If you don't say anything else, though, it might be a signal that you don't want to continue the conversation.
Not bad.
This is a more friendly-sounding answer than "fine".
Fine, thanks.
This answer is formal. You might answer this way if someone you don't know, like a waiter at a restaurant, asks how you are.
Very well, thanks.
A person who likes to be grammatically proper might answer this way. Technically, the question "How...?" should be answered with an adverb. However, a lot of English speakers don't know or care about this. The people who do are "by the books" types who insist on using grammatically correct language.
Pretty good.
If you don't care as much about grammar, you can answer "Good" or "Pretty good". It's more common and much, much more casual.
Great! How are you doing
I've been better.
People usually give positive answers to the question "How are you?" If you give a negative answer like this one, it usually means that you want to tell the listener your sad story. So they'll usually ask what's wrong:
<span>A: How are you?B: I've been better.A: What's wrong?B: I just found out that I'm being laid off.</span> How's it going?
This question is similar to "How are you". The answers discussed above all work for "How's it going?" as well.
Here's another answer that will also work for "How's it going", but not for "How are you?"
It's going well.
This is a friendly, polite answer that's suitable for coworkers, clients, and acquaintances that you haven't seen in a while.
What's up?
This question means "What's happening in your life?" But you don't have to answer honestly. If you don't want to start a long conversation, you can use one of these standard replies:
Nothing much.
This is the most common answer. You can follow it by sharing something interesting that's happening: "Nothing much. Just getting ready for Vanessa's graduation."
Not a lot.
This is another really common answer. It's just a bit fresher than "Nothing much" because it's a little less common.
Nothing.
This is more to-the-point. It might make you seem a little angry or rude.
Oh, just the usual.
Answer this way if you do mostly the same things each day.
Just the same old same old.
This phrase means that you're doing the same things every day, and you're a little bored of it.
Oh gosh, all kinds of stuff!
You can answer this way if your life has been really busy and exciting lately.
What's happening?
This question means the same thing as "What's up" and can be answered in the same way.
When not to answer
One other thing that you should know: all of these questions can also be used to mean "Hello". In that case, you don't have to answer. It would be more natural to respond with another greeting:
<span>A: How are you?B: Hey, how's it going?</span>
So how do you know whether someone really wants to know how you are, or they're just saying "Hi"? You can tell that it's just a greeting if:
<span>they're walking by you and don't stop to hear your answerthey wave to you while askingthe tone of their voice doesn't go up at the end</span>
Print this List
Welcome to PhraseMix!
Improve your English ability by understanding and memorizing common English phrases. Here are some links to help you get started:
<span>Learn how to learn EnglishFind out more about PhraseMixRead the blog</span><span>FREE email course: how to learn EnglishYou know English. Now master it!This FREE email course will teach you the most powerful lessons that I've learned for learning a language.Email
</span>Follow PhraseMixTwitter RSS Facebook Google+Recent Phrases<span>at least (a number) before (something)arrive to (somewhere)I'm going to (do something).extreme acts of violencecarry out (an action)witness (something)child soldiersthe current dateWhat if (something happens)?in our society</span>More Phrases »Featured Articles<span>How learning grammar is like painting.How do you improve your English reading?13 qualities of a great athlete in EnglishCliché</span>More Articles »Recent Comments<span><span>Josef Ben AvrahamReally helpfull!!!!5 steps to achieving your New Year's resolutions · </span><span>English Professional"Today I brang my water bottle to school and at...The 5 levels of incorrect English · </span><span>望月孝book keeper, right? please look over your...English Lesson: "I looked over your books, and I jotted down a few questions that I wanted to ask you." · </span><span>Seung Hyun KimGeek has different meaning when it is used as...English Lesson: "I miss hanging out with people that I can really geek out about this kind of stuff with." · </span></span>More Comments »
<span><span>About PhraseMix<span>About PhraseMixTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy</span></span><span>PhraseMix Premium<span>Subscription PricingJoinLog In</span></span><span>Lessons<span>Latest LessonsLesson CategoriesLesson Index</span></span><span>Articles<span>BlogPhraseMix AnswersPhrase ListsLanguage Concepts</span></span><span>Communicate<span>DiscussionsContact Us</span></span></span>
Copyright © 2017 , PhraseMix LLC. All rights reserved.
Learn English faster! Get PhraseMix Premium
