Greetings are an important part of human interaction and connection. We often default to the familiar “How are you doing?” when seeing a friend, family member, coworker, or acquaintance.
However, there are many other options to switch up this common phrase and show genuine interest in how someone is doing. In this blog post, I will discuss some alternative ways to say “how you doing” along with examples to illustrate how to naturally incorporate them into conversation.
Changing your go-to greeting can make a discussion feel more meaningful and less robotic. Asking “What’s new with you?” or “How have you been?” conveys that you care to know about recent events and developments in someone’s life.
An enthusiastic “Long time no see, how are you?” also emphasizes that you are happy to be catching up with someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
Some other greetings like “How’s life treating you?” and “How are things?” open up the conversation for more general updates or a venting session if needed.
I will provide sample dialogues using each phrase to demonstrate how to swap out “How are you doing?” in social situations, work meetings, and chance encounters.
Expanding your repertoire of greetings and check-ins gives you more tools to connect with people in your life. It allows you to show sincere interest in their well-being and what is going on in their world.
So next time you see an acquaintance, try spicing up the conversation with a new way to say “How you doing?”
Other Ways to Say “How You Doing”
- How’s it going?
- What’s up?
- How are things?
- How have you been?
- What’s new with you?
- How’s your day going?
- How’s life treating you?
- Everything alright?
- What’s happening?
- How do you fare?
- You alright?
1. How’s it going? (Casual and Friendly)
“How’s it going?” is a casual and friendly way to inquire about someone’s general state or well-being.
It’s commonly used among friends, colleagues, or in informal settings to express genuine interest in someone’s life. This phrase sets a relaxed tone, encouraging an open and informal response.
Example:
While bumping into an old friend at the coffee shop, Lisa greeted him with a smile, “Hey John, how’s it going? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
2. What’s up? (Very Informal and Relaxed)
“What’s up?” is a very informal and relaxed greeting, often used among peers or in very casual contexts.
It can be a way to ask “What’s new?” or “What’s happening?” without expecting a detailed reply. It’s perfect for initiating light, easy-going conversations.
Example:
As they gathered around the gaming console, Alex tossed over his shoulder, “So, what’s up with everyone today?”
3. How are things? (Neutral and Considerate)
“How are things?” is a neutral and considerate way to inquire about someone’s life or current situation. This phrase can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts, offering a balance between friendliness and respect for the other person’s privacy.
Example:
During a quick catch-up call, Megan asked her distant cousin, “I’ve been thinking about you lately, how are things on your end?”
4. How have you been? (Genuinely Concerned)
“How have you been?” expresses genuine concern for someone’s well-being over a period, often used after not seeing someone for a while.
It invites the sharing of personal experiences or feelings, showing that the asker cares about the respondent’s recent life.
Example:
Reuniting after months apart, David warmly embraced his brother, saying, “It’s been too long, how have you been?“
5. What’s new with you? (Curious and Engaging)
“What’s new with you?” is a curious and engaging way to ask someone about any recent developments or changes in their life.
It’s an excellent conversation starter that shows an interest in the person’s activities or achievements since you last spoke.
Example:
At the alumni gathering, Elena excitedly approached her former roommate, asking, “It’s been years since we last caught up, what’s new with you?“
6. How’s your day going? (Immediate and Present-focused)
“How’s your day going?” focuses on the present, asking about someone’s experience or feelings on the current day.
It’s a thoughtful way to show concern for someone’s daily well-being, often used in both personal and professional contexts to build rapport.
Example:
Seeing her teammate looking stressed, Sarah offered a comforting smile and asked, “You seem a bit overwhelmed, how’s your day going?“
7. How’s life treating you? (Philosophical and Broad)
“How’s life treating you?” is a more philosophical and broad inquiry into someone’s overall life satisfaction or circumstances.
This expression can lead to deeper conversations about life’s ups and downs, showing a deep level of interest and empathy.
Example:
Over a quiet dinner, Thomas looked across the table at his old friend and mused, “We’ve been through so much, how’s life treating you these days?”
8. Everything alright? (Concerned and Direct)
“Everything alright?” is a direct and concerned way to ask if there are any problems or if someone is feeling okay, usually used when someone appears upset or troubled.
It shows immediate care and readiness to offer support if needed.
Example:
Noticing her daughter’s quiet demeanor at breakfast, Maria gently inquired, “You’re usually so chatty in the morning, everything alright?“
9. What’s happening? (Informal and Current)
“What’s happening?” is an informal way to ask about current events or situations, often used to greet someone or catch up on news.
It’s suitable for casual conversations where the speaker wants to be updated on ongoing activities.
Example:
Joining the group at the park, Kevin threw his hands up in a friendly gesture, asking, “Hey everyone, what’s happening?“
10. How do you fare? (Formal and Old-fashioned)
“How do you fare?” is a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to ask about someone’s condition or well-being.
It’s less common in everyday conversation but can be used for a touch of formality or in literary contexts.
Example:
Amid their Victorian-themed event, Eleanor greeted her guests with a graceful nod, inquiring, “Welcome to our soirée, how do you fare?“
11. You alright? (Casual and Concerned)
“You alright?” is a casual and concise way to check on someone’s well-being, often used among friends or close acquaintances.
It can indicate concern based on observation of the other person’s behavior or appearance.
Example:
After noticing his friend wince while climbing the stairs, Jake asked with a concerned frown, “I saw that grimace, you alright?“
Is it Professional to say “How You Doing”?
Yes, it’s not inherently unprofessional to say “How you doing?” This greeting is a friendly and informal way to inquire about someone’s well-being or state.
Its appropriateness depends largely on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.
In more relaxed, informal, or familiar workplace environments, such a greeting can help establish a friendly rapport and contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.
When it’s appropriate:
- Informal Interactions: In casual workplace settings or among colleagues who have a friendly relationship, it can be a warm way to start a conversation.
- Building Rapport: It can help create a comfortable environment, encouraging open communication among team members.
- Networking Events: At less formal networking events, it can serve as an easy conversation starter.
When to reconsider:
- Formal Business Settings: In meetings with senior management, clients, or external partners, a more formal greeting may be preferred.
- Cultural Differences: In cultures or settings where formality is valued, a more formal approach might be more appropriate.
- First Impressions: When meeting someone for the first time in a professional context, a more formal greeting may help establish professionalism.