textbook
- How are you?
- I'm fine.
- Pretty good.
- Not bad.
You can use this if you are feeling just okay, or so-so.
This is the most well-known way of asking how someone is. You could use it when you want to be polite. But now, let's look at some different ways to ask how someone is. These ways are more casual, and much more common.
Natural English
- Hey, how's it going?
- Good.
- Pretty good.
- Not bad.
If you are feeling good.
Here's a tip! Even though these answers mean the same thing as "I'm fine.", you can't answer "How's it going?" with "I'm fine.". It will sound a bit strange.
-
- Not so good.
- Not great.
- Not so well.
If you are feeling not good, You can answer these.
Be careful: If you say one of these, the other person will usually ask, "Why, What's wrong?" to be polite. Then, you will have to explain.
Very common version
- What's up?
- Not much.
- Nothing much.
To reply, use a cheerful voice as you say. This means you are free and able to chat.
A lot of time, when we ask question that mean "how are you" in English. We're not actually asking about the other person's health. We're only asking to be polite! You should think of these questions as another way of saying "Hello" a way for the conversation to get started instead of actual literal questions.
In fact, when someone asks you "What's up." you don't even have to answer. Just say "What's up." in reply.
hare
2020.3.23