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English

15 Classy Alternatives for “How Are You Doing?” That Sound Smart!

how are you doing

“How are you doing”

is a common phrase people use daily. But did you know that there are numerous other ways to say, “how are you doing?”

English is such a cool language! Using just a few unique-spicy phrases in your conversation makes you sound like a pro-English speaker. Let’s go down and discover some words you can use instead of the not-so-smart-cool phrase “how are you doing”.

Related Reading: Alternative Ways to Say “Hope You Are Doing Well

Every phrase that can be used as an alternative to “how are you doing” has a different meaning. You can use the phrases listed below to open a conversation or inquire about another person’s feelings/health without using “how are you doing”.

Here is the list:

1. What’s up, bro?

Whats up bro

This phrase will signal to the listener that you’re very interested in knowing what is going on in his life. The word “bro” (an abbreviation for brother) also develops a strong bond between you and the listener. This one is an informal phrase. This means, saying “what’s up, bro?” to your boss is a weird idea.

2. How’re you getting on?

How’re you getting on

This one is a perfect phrase for inquiring about your friend’s life, specifically after a tragic accident in the past. If you want to get more details of how your friend is coping with his life after that, use this phrase.

3. What’s going on?

What’s going on

This one is a casual phrase. It’s often used for showing interest in the listener’s present life. You can use this phrase if you’re more likely interested in what the listener is doing in a particular situation instead of asking about his life in general.

4. How’re things going?

How’re things going

Use this phrase when you want an overview of the listener’s life. Like, his health, his job, etc.

5. You Alright?

You Alright

Whenever you would like to show your concern for your listener's health and want to make him feel special, use this phrase. It's best to use this phrase with a person suffering from a disease or feeling awkward in any situation.

6. How are you holding up?

How are you holding up

A very modern addition to the how-are-you-doing family! “How are you holding up” is an informal phrase and should only be used with close friends, family members, colleagues, etc. It’s an empathetic statement that specifically inquires about the listener’s health. Be it his physical health or mental health.

7. How do you do?

How do you do

It’s a kind of greeting. You can use it when you want to say “hello” and “how are you” at the same time. This phrase can help you open a conversation with the person you’re willing to talk to.

8. Is everything okay?

Is everything okay

It’s an inquiry statement. This phrase will help you know whether the listener’s life is going okay or not.

9. How’s it rolling?

How’s it rolling

“Rolling” in this case refers to “life”. It’s another informal way to say, “how are you doing?” The speaker doesn’t really want to know about every detail of his listener’s life but just a few glimpses of it.

10. How are things coming along?

How are things coming along

This one is a bit wordy, but using it in your conversation can add empathy to it and connect you with your listener in a more lovely way. You’re asking about his mental or physical health after a disastrous event that adversely impacted the listener's life.

11. What’s new with you?

What’s new with you

If you want to know about the listener’s career or relationship plans, using this phrase is the perfect way to satisfy your curiosity!

12. Long time no see!

Long time no see

No, you’re not inquiring about the listener’s health. It’s a greeting phrase and an informal way to say “hello”. You can use it to let the listener know you’re happy to see him again.

13. How was your day?


How was your day

This phrase should only be used when you’re concerned about the listener’s day and not in his life in general.

14. Are You OK?

Are You OK

This is a curious-inquiry-statement. It can add a dose of empathy to your conversation. You’re asking about how the listener is feeling.

15. Hi Dude! Everything Going Good?

Hi Dude! Everything Going Good

This is a friendly phrase. It helps to convey your excitement to the listener about seeing him again. Don’t use it in a formal context.

3 Things to Consider When Using These Alternatives

If you say “Hi! Dude, Everything going good?” to your boss, he will probably get offended. The point is that there are certain rules you need to follow while using the alternatives of “how are you doing?”

Here are the three things you need to keep in your mind while using the above-listed phrases:

  • What’s your relationship with the listener? (friend, boss, family member, etc.)
  • What’s the context of your conversation? (the topic you want to discuss, level of familiarity with the listener’s background, etc.)
  • What’s your purpose? (Build good relationships, get details of events, etc.)

Final Words!

Whether you’re a new English speaker or an old pro, swapping “how are you doing” with the above-discussed phrases can help you awe your listeners. You can pick the right phrases while considering your relationship with the listener, the context, and the purpose of driving the conversation.

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With over 3 years of experience in teaching, Chloe is very deeply connected with the topics that talk about the educational and general aspects of a student's life. Her writing has been very helpful for students to gain a better understanding of their academics and personal well-being. I’m also open to any suggestions that you might have! Please reach out to me at chloedaniel402 [at] gmail.com