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"how do you do" vs "How are you"

Both 'how are you' and 'how do you do' are common greetings in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'How are you' is a more informal and common way to ask someone about their well-being, while 'how do you do' is a formal greeting often used when meeting someone for the first time.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

how do you do

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in modern English. It is a formal greeting often used when meeting someone for the first time.

This phrase is a formal greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It is less common in informal settings.

Examples:

  • How do you do? I'm pleased to meet you.
  • How do you do? My name is Sarah.

Alternatives:

  • Nice to meet you
  • Pleased to meet you
  • How do you do, sir/madam?
  • Greetings
  • Hello, how are you?

How are you

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as an informal way to ask about someone's well-being.

This phrase is a common informal greeting used to inquire about someone's current state or well-being.

Examples:

  • Hi John, how are you today?
  • How are you feeling after the long journey?

Alternatives:

  • How are you doing?
  • How have you been?
  • How's it going?
  • How's everything?
  • How have you been feeling?

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