Learn English – the expected answer for “How are you doing”

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I have two questions about the common phrase:

How are you doing?

  • What is the expected answer for this question?

  • I've never understood the logic of the sentence "How are you doing?"
    While we use "how" instead of "what" (What are you doing?) so to speak, or alternatively we could ask "How is your doing"? (in meaning how is your activity going on) What is the explanation for that?

Best Answer

To answer your second question first, "How are you doing?" can be interpreted as "How is life treating you?" (which is sometimes used instead.)

There is no set response, and you can answer however you like. You can tell them about your recent gall bladder operation, or, if you are feeling uncommunicative, you can give one of many conventional responses, such as:

  • Fine. How are you?
  • Mustn't grumble.
  • Can't complain.
  • Fair to middling.

Note that "How are you doing?" is not the same as "How do you do?" The only correct response to this enquiry is another "How do you do?" No other answer is expected and none should be given. It is a meaningless formality that is observed when you are formally introduced to someone, and it is not repeated when you meet them for a second time (and subsequently).

All of the above applies to British English only. Customs elsewhere may differ.

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