how are you? | how are you doing?

This page is about the conversational phrase how are you? | how are you doing?

Meaning

You can use this to greet somebody you already know.

For example

  • "Hi, how are you?"
    "Great. And you?"

  • "How're you doing, Don?"
    "Laura! How are you? Haven't seen you for ages."

Note:

1. Usually used as a general greeting that doesn't require a detailed reply
2. Also "How're you going?" (informal Australian English)

Quick Quiz

Saying "How are you?" or "How are you doing?" is like saying

a. "What are you doing?"

b. "What's the matter?"

c. "Hi, there."
a) "What are you doing?" b) "What's the matter?" c) "Hi, there."

Contributor: Matt Errey