Greetings – Appropriate Responses When Someone Asks ‘How Are You?’

american-englishgreetings

When someone asks, "How are you?" are you supposed to answer, "Good," or "Fine," and ask back?

Best Answer

Yes. Depending on where you are in the English-speaking world and on your relationship with the other person, you might reply with any of the following:

  • I'm fine, thank you.
  • I'm good. You?
  • Doing great! And how are you?
  • Good. Doing okay?

Certainly, several other possible permutations. No response at all would be considered rude anywhere. Just saying, "Fine," in response without a "thank you" or a reciprocal question would also be considered brusque, standoffish or rude; or the asker may simply conclude you are in a bad mood. The first response is the norm in places or cases where the respondent does not deem it polite or appropriate to respond in kind with a "How are you?"