“How are you?” is a common and polite way to start a conversation in English. However, there are other ways to ask this question, depending on the context and formality of the situation. For example, in a formal setting, one might use phrases such as “How do you do?” or “How have you been?” while in an informal setting, phrases like “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” may be more appropriate. Additionally, there are idiomatic ways to ask “how are you” that are playful and unique, such as “What’s cookin’, good lookin’?” or “What’s the haps?” It’s important to note that in each context, whether it be formal or informal, there are various ways to express oneself and asking “how are you” is one of many options.
Formal ways to say “how are you”
List of formal ways to say “how are you”
Here are some other ways to say “how are you” in a formal setting:
- “How do you do?”
- “How have you been?”
- “How are things with you?”
- “What’s new with you?”
- “What’s been going on with you?”
- “How is everything with you?”
- “How is life treating you?”
- “How have things been with you?”
- “How have you been faring?”
- “How have you been getting on?”
When and how to use them correctly
Here are some other ways to say “how are you” in a formal setting, along with information on when and how to use them correctly:
- “How do you do?” – This is a very formal and traditional way of asking “how are you” and is often used when meeting someone for the first time, in a professional or formal setting, or when addressing someone with a higher social or professional status than yourself. It is important to wait for the other person’s response and not to say “good, and you?” in return, as it is not considered part of the conversation but a purely politeness formula.
- “How have you been?” – This is a more common and less formal way of asking “how are you” and can be used in both professional and personal settings. It is more appropriate in an informal conversation than “How do you do?” but still polite and respectful.
- “How are things with you?” – This is a polite and neutral way of asking about someone’s well-being, and is appropriate to use in both formal and informal settings.
- “What’s new with you?” – This is a less formal way of asking “how are you” and is often used in casual or informal settings. It implies that the speaker wants to catch up on recent events or developments in the other person’s life.
- “What’s been going on with you?” – Similar to the previous one, this phrase implies that the speaker wants to catch up on recent events or developments in the other person’s life and is more appropriate in informal or casual conversations.
- “How is everything with you?” – This is a polite and neutral way of asking about someone’s well-being, and is appropriate to use in both formal and informal settings.
- “How is life treating you?” – This is a more casual way of asking “how are you,” and implies that you are interested in the general state of the person’s life rather than just their current emotions or well-being.
- “How have things been with you?” – This phrase is similar to “how have you been” it can be used in both professional and personal settings, it’s polite and respects the formality level of the conversation.
- “How have you been faring?” – This phrase is less common, but similar to “how have you been” it is a polite way to ask about someone’s well-being.
- “How have you been getting on?” – This phrase is less common, but similar to “how have you been” it is a polite way to ask about someone’s well-being, its more British English, so it’s better to be used in British or Commonwealth countries.
As you can see, the key to choosing the right phrase is to consider the context and formality level of the conversation. It’s also important to remember that in most cases, these phrases are not only used as a question but also as a friendly expression of concern, and the answer is not always expected.
Informal ways to say “how are you”
List of informal ways to say “how are you”
Here is a list of other ways to say “how are you” in informal settings:
- How’s it going?
- How’s everything?
- How’s life?
- How’s everything going?
- What’s new?
- What’s been going on?
- What’s been happening?
- What’s up?
- How have you been, recently?
- How have you been keeping?
- How are you doing?
- How’s your day going?
- How’s your life been?
- How’s your week been?
- How’s your month been?
- How’s your year been?
- How are things?
- How’s everything been?
- How are you holding up?
- How’s your mood?
- How’s the family?
- How’s the work/school?
- How have you been, my friend?
- How’s the weather been treating you?
- How’s the hustle and bustle?
When and how to use them correctly
Here are some other informal ways to say “how are you” and information on when and how to use them correctly:
- “What’s up?” – This is a very informal and casual way of asking “how are you.” It is typically used in casual or friendly settings, such as when talking with friends, family, or acquaintances.
- “How’s it going?” – This phrase is similar in meaning to “how are you” and is also casual and informal. It can be used in a variety of settings such as when talking with friends, family, or in casual conversations
- “How’s everything?” – This is a casual and informal way of asking “how are you” and is similar in meaning to “how’s it going?” This phrase can be used in casual settings, such as when talking with friends, family, or acquaintances.
- “What’s new?” – This phrase implies that the speaker wants to catch up on recent events or developments in the other person’s life and is more appropriate in informal or casual conversations.
- “How have you been, recently?” – This phrase is similar in meaning to “how are you” and is also informal and casual. It can be used in a variety of settings such as when talking with friends, family, or in casual conversations, it implies that the speaker wants to know about recent happenings in the other person’s life.
- “How’s your day going?” – This phrase is focused on the present day and implies that the speaker wants to know about the current state of the other person’s well-being, it’s appropriate to be used during the daytime or in a daily routine.
- “How are you holding up?” – This phrase is generally used in casual and informal settings, it implies that the speaker is genuinely interested in the person’s well-being, it could be used in a conversation where someone had a tough day or week.
It is important to remember that these phrases are used in informal settings and are intended to be casual and friendly. They are used in a relaxed and conversational tone, where formality is less expected or emphasized. Be mindful of the context and person you are talking to, and adjust your choice of phrase accordingly.
Idiomatic ways to say “how are you” in English
Here are some idiomatic ways to say “how are you” in English:
- “What’s cookin’ good lookin‘?” – This is a casual and playful way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly or in a flirty manner.
- “How’s the world treating you?” – This phrase is similar in meaning to “how are you” and is also idiomatic. It implies that the speaker is asking about the person’s overall well-being and experiences in the world.
- “How’s tricks?” – This phrase is an informal and idiomatic way to ask “how are you,” it is often used among friends or informal settings.
- “What’s the haps?” – This phrase is another informal and idiomatic way of asking “how are you” and is more likely to be used in the US or Canada, it’s another way to ask about recent news or events.
- “How’s it hanging?” – This phrase is a more casual and idiomatic way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly or among friends.
- “How’s the water?” – This phrase is another idiomatic way of asking “how are you” which is more likely to be used in casual conversation, it’s not much different from ‘How are you’, but could be less common.
- “How’s life treating you?” – This is a casual and idiomatic way to ask about the person’s well-being, similar to “How’s the world treating you?”
- “What’s good?” – This is a casual and idiomatic way of asking “how are you.” It is often used informally or among friends and it’s more likely to be used in casual settings
These idiomatic expressions are often used in spoken English, casual or informal settings, and among friends or casual acquaintances, so it may not be appropriate for a formal or professional setting.
Professional ways to say “how are you” in English
Here are some professional ways to say “how are you” in English:
- “How has your day been so far?” – This phrase is appropriate to use in a professional setting, it implies that the speaker is asking about the person’s work-related experiences and well-being, rather than their personal life.
- “How are things progressing for you?” – This phrase is a professional and neutral way of asking about someone’s well-being and progress, it implies that the speaker is asking about the person’s work-related experiences and progress.
- “How have you been getting on with your projects?” – This is a professional and appropriate way to inquire about a coworker’s work related status, it shows concern and interest in their work.
- “How has your work been going?” – This phrase is similar to “How has your day been so far?” but with a more general approach, it implies that the speaker is asking about the person’s work-related experiences and well-being, not limited to just the current day.
- “How is everything on your end?” – This phrase is professional, polite and neutral, and it implies that the speaker is asking about the person’s general status and well-being, particularly in relation to a work-related context.
- “How has everything been at work?” – This phrase is a more general and professional way to ask about someone’s well-being and experiences at work.
- “How can I assist you today?” – This phrase is a professional way of asking about the person’s well-being, but in a more specific, focused on the purpose of the interaction, it implies that the speaker is willing and ready to help.
- “How may I assist you further?” – Similar to the previous one, this phrase is a more professional and polite way of asking about the person’s well-being and progress, but in a more service-oriented context.
It is important to remember that these phrases are more formal and should be used in a professional setting. They are more polite, neutral and focused on work-related context and progress, which shows interest and concern for the well-being and development of the colleague or business associate.
Funny ways to say “how are you” in English:
Here are some funny ways to say “how are you” in English:
- “What’s shaking, bacon?” – This is a playful and informal way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly or among friends and the word “bacon” is used as a friendly term of address.
- “How’s your head, (fuzzy, clear, etc)?” – This phrase is a playful and idiomatic way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly among friends, and it refers to the person’s physical state and could imply they had a hangover or a good night’s sleep.
- “What’s cracking?” – This is a playful and informal way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly or among friends.
- “What’s cookin’, good lookin‘?” – Similar to the first one, it is a playful and informal way of asking “how are you.” It is often used jokingly or in a flirty manner.
- “How’s the cat hair count today?” – This phrase is an idiomatic and playful way of asking “how are you,” it implies that the person is a cat lover, and could imply that they have a cat, often used among friends who share the same interest.
- “What’s the story, morning glory?” – This phrase is playful and idiomatic way of asking “how are you,” it implies that the person is in a good mood, often used among friends in a casual setting.
- “What’s the buzz?” – This phrase is playful and idiomatic way of asking “how are you,” it implies that the person is well-informed and up to date with current events, often used among friends in a casual setting.
ESLBUZZ is a cloud-based language learning application dedicated to providing high-quality educational resources to language students worldwide. We have experienced tutors, teachers, writers, and editors committed to helping students achieve their language goals.
Latest posts by ESLBUZZ (see all)
- Plural of Species: Rules and Examples - November 8, 2023
- 50th Birthday Wishes to Boost Your English Vocabulary and Writing Skills - October 28, 2023
- Plural of Synopsis: Mastering English Grammar Made Easy! - October 23, 2023