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Greeting Someone in English: The Complete Guide for Beginners
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July 23, 2025
Greeting Someone in English:
The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Why Greetings Matter in Everyday English
1
Start With a Greeting:
In any English-speaking situation, begin with a friendly greeting to set a positive tone. Whether it’s at work, school, in a shop, or online—greetings help start every conversation.
In any English-speaking situation, begin with a friendly greeting to set a positive tone. Whether it’s at work, school, in a shop, or online—greetings help start every conversation.
2
Choose the Right Words:
Use “Hi!”, “Hello!”, “Good morning!”, or “Hey!” depending on the time, place, and how well you know the person.
Use “Hi!”, “Hello!”, “Good morning!”, or “Hey!” depending on the time, place, and how well you know the person.
3
Add a Friendly Question:
After greeting, add a question like “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” to continue the conversation politely.
After greeting, add a question like “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” to continue the conversation politely.
4
Respond Politely:
Answer with “I’m fine, thanks. And you?” or “Pretty good, thanks!” Show that you care about the other person.
Answer with “I’m fine, thanks. And you?” or “Pretty good, thanks!” Show that you care about the other person.
5
Use Names If You Can:
Using the person’s name makes your greeting more personal: “Hi, Anna!” or “Good morning, Mr. Brown.”
Using the person’s name makes your greeting more personal: “Hi, Anna!” or “Good morning, Mr. Brown.”
6
Be Aware of the Situation:
Use more formal greetings in work or school, and casual greetings with friends or family. Smile and make eye contact if possible!
Use more formal greetings in work or school, and casual greetings with friends or family. Smile and make eye contact if possible!
7
Practice Makes Perfect:
The more you practice greetings in real life, the more confident and natural you will sound.
The more you practice greetings in real life, the more confident and natural you will sound.
Example:
Situation: Meeting a friend at school.
Anna: Good morning, John!
John: Good morning, Anna! How are you?
Anna: I’m fine, thanks. And you?
John: I’m good, thanks!
This dialogue uses polite greetings, a friendly question, and shows how to reply in everyday conversation.
Anna: Good morning, John!
John: Good morning, Anna! How are you?
Anna: I’m fine, thanks. And you?
John: I’m good, thanks!
This dialogue uses polite greetings, a friendly question, and shows how to reply in everyday conversation.
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
Master Everyday Greetings in English
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Here are the most useful greetings, questions, and responses for real-life English. Tap or hover on each card to reveal an example sentence!
Hi!
A simple, friendly way to greet someone.
Example: Hi! How are you?
Example: Hi! How are you?
Hello!
Polite greeting for any time of day.
Example: Hello, Tom! Nice to see you.
Example: Hello, Tom! Nice to see you.
Hey!
Very informal, mostly for friends.
Example: Hey! What’s up?
Example: Hey! What’s up?
Good morning!
Used before midday.
Example: Good morning, Mrs. Smith!
Example: Good morning, Mrs. Smith!
Good afternoon!
From noon until evening.
Example: Good afternoon, everyone.
Example: Good afternoon, everyone.
Good evening!
After about 6 pm.
Example: Good evening, sir.
Example: Good evening, sir.
How are you?
Polite question after a greeting.
Example: Hello, David. How are you?
Example: Hello, David. How are you?
How’s it going?
Informal, friendly way to ask about someone.
Example: Hey, Anna! How’s it going?
Example: Hey, Anna! How’s it going?
I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Common, polite response.
Example: How are you? I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Example: How are you? I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Not bad, thanks.
Neutral answer, not great but not bad.
Example: How are you? Not bad, thanks.
Example: How are you? Not bad, thanks.
Goodbye! / Bye!
Say when leaving.
Example: Goodbye! See you tomorrow.
Example: Goodbye! See you tomorrow.
See you later!
Informal goodbye.
Example: See you later, Ben.
Example: See you later, Ben.
Take care!
Kind farewell.
Example: Take care! Have a nice day.
Example: Take care! Have a nice day.
Long time no see!
For meeting after a long time.
Example: Hi, John! Long time no see!
Example: Hi, John! Long time no see!
Pleased to meet you.
For first meetings.
Example: Hello, I’m Lisa. Pleased to meet you.
Example: Hello, I’m Lisa. Pleased to meet you.
Hi, everyone!
Greeting a group.
Example: Hi, everyone! Welcome to the meeting.
Example: Hi, everyone! Welcome to the meeting.
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Tip: Use formal greetings with teachers, managers, and strangers. Use informal greetings with friends and family!
Example Sentences for Greetings See How to Use Greetings in Real Life!
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Tip: Tap or hover each card to reveal the meaning!
Hi! How are you today?
A friendly, all-purpose greeting for any situation.
Good morning, Ms. Lee.
Polite greeting for a teacher or in a formal morning setting.
Hey! How’s it going?
Casual greeting for friends or classmates.
Hello, everyone! Welcome to class.
Welcoming a group in a positive, friendly way.
Good afternoon, sir. Can I help you?
Polite greeting and offer of help, in a shop or at work.
Good evening, Mrs. Green. How are you doing?
Formal greeting for the evening, followed by a friendly question.
Long time no see, Peter! How have you been?
Greeting someone you haven’t seen for a while.
Bye! See you soon.
Informal way to say goodbye to a friend or classmate.
Take care, Emma!
Kind farewell that shows care and good wishes.
Pleased to meet you.
Polite phrase when meeting someone for the first time.
When and How to Use Each Greeting Choose the Right Greeting Every Time
🕰️
Tip: Time, place, and the relationship always matter for English greetings!
Time of Day
- Morning: Good morning (until 12:00 pm)
- Afternoon: Good afternoon (12:00–6:00 pm)
- Evening: Good evening (after 6:00 pm)
- Anytime: Hi, Hello, Hey
Formal or Informal?
- Formal: At work, school, with strangers or superiors.
Use Good morning, Mr./Ms. ... or Hello, sir/madam. - Informal: With friends, classmates, family.
Use Hi, Hey, or What’s up?
Individuals or Groups
- Individuals: Use names if possible: Hi, Tom!
- Groups: Hi, everyone! Good morning, class.
Cultural Note
Smile, eye contact, and friendly tone are important!
In English-speaking cultures, people often shake hands or wave when greeting, and sometimes hug close friends. In formal settings, use a handshake.
In English-speaking cultures, people often shake hands or wave when greeting, and sometimes hug close friends. In formal settings, use a handshake.
Pronunciation Tips for Common Greetings Speak Like a Native! Tap to Hear or See IPA
🔊
Tip: Practicing your pronunciation with IPA symbols and audio will help you sound more confident!
Hi!
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /haɪ/
Hello!
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /həˈloʊ/ (US), /həˈləʊ/ (UK)
Good morning!
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /ɡʊd ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
Good afternoon!
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /ɡʊd ˌæftərˈnuːn/
Good evening!
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /ɡʊd ˈiːvnɪŋ/
How are you?
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /haʊ ɑːr juː/
How’s it going?
[Tap for IPA]
IPA: /haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪŋ/
💬
Practice: Repeat each greeting out loud. Try in front of a mirror, and focus on smiling and clear sound!
Common Mistakes in English Greetings Avoid These Traps & Greet Like a Native!
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Tip: Review these mistakes so you don’t sound unnatural, impolite, or awkward!
“Good night!” as a greeting
Use “Good night!” only for saying goodbye in the evening, never as a greeting.
Correct: “Good morning!” “Good evening!”
Correct: “Good morning!” “Good evening!”
Forgetting “Good” in formal greetings
Always say the full phrase: “Good morning/afternoon/evening.”
Incorrect: “Morning!”
Correct: “Good morning!”
Incorrect: “Morning!”
Correct: “Good morning!”
Using “Hey!” or “What’s up?” in formal situations
Reserve informal greetings for friends or close colleagues.
Correct: “Hello, Mr. Smith.”
Correct: “Hello, Mr. Smith.”
Not responding to “How are you?”
Always reply politely: “I’m fine, thanks. And you?”
Speaking too quietly or loudly
Use a clear, friendly voice. Smile and make eye contact!
Forgetting to smile or make eye contact
Body language is important—always smile and look at the person!
💡
Tip: Watch real conversations, practice with a friend, and focus on both your words and your gestures!
Synonyms & Alternative Greetings Make Your English Sound Natural & Varied!
🌱
Tip: Using different greetings makes your English richer and helps you connect with different people!
Howdy!
Very informal, mostly in the US and among friends.
Example: “Howdy, partner!”
Example: “Howdy, partner!”
Yo!
Extremely informal, for young people or close friends.
Example: “Yo! What’s up?”
Example: “Yo! What’s up?”
Greetings!
Formal or sometimes humorous.
Example: “Greetings! Welcome to our club.”
Example: “Greetings! Welcome to our club.”
Salutations!
Very formal and rare, mainly in writing or special events.
Example: “Salutations, esteemed guests.”
Example: “Salutations, esteemed guests.”
What’s new?
Casual, friendly way to ask about someone’s life.
Example: “Hey, what’s new?”
Example: “Hey, what’s new?”
What’s happening?
Informal, asking what’s going on.
Example: “What’s happening, Sam?”
Example: “What’s happening, Sam?”
Morning!
Very informal way to say “Good morning.”
Example: “Morning, everyone!”
Example: “Morning, everyone!”
Hey there!
Casual, friendly greeting for any time.
Example: “Hey there! How’s it going?”
Example: “Hey there! How’s it going?”
💡
Try using a new greeting each week to sound more like a native speaker!
Practice Task 1: Match the Greetings Drag or tap to match each greeting to the correct response!
🧩
Instructions: Click a greeting, then click its matching response. Press Check Answers to see feedback!
Explanations for Practice Task 1 Understand Why Each Match Is Correct!
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Click each explanation to reveal details!
Good morning!
✔ Matches with: 3. Good morning!
Explanation: “Good morning!” is a polite greeting used in the morning. When someone says “Good morning!” the natural, friendly reply is to repeat “Good morning!” back. This shows respect and politeness, especially in formal or school settings.
Explanation: “Good morning!” is a polite greeting used in the morning. When someone says “Good morning!” the natural, friendly reply is to repeat “Good morning!” back. This shows respect and politeness, especially in formal or school settings.
Hey!
✔ Matches with: 2. Hey! What’s up?
Explanation: “Hey!” is a casual greeting among friends or peers. The typical response, “Hey! What’s up?” keeps the conversation informal and friendly, inviting the other person to talk more.
Explanation: “Hey!” is a casual greeting among friends or peers. The typical response, “Hey! What’s up?” keeps the conversation informal and friendly, inviting the other person to talk more.
How are you?
✔ Matches with: 1. Fine, thanks! And you?
Explanation: When you ask “How are you?” it is polite to answer with a positive phrase like “Fine, thanks! And you?” This reply keeps the conversation polite and shows you care about the other person.
Explanation: When you ask “How are you?” it is polite to answer with a positive phrase like “Fine, thanks! And you?” This reply keeps the conversation polite and shows you care about the other person.
Long time no see!
✔ Matches with: 4. Yes, it’s been a while!
Explanation: “Long time no see!” is said when you haven’t met someone for a long period. “Yes, it’s been a while!” is a friendly, natural response that recognizes the time apart and shows happiness to reconnect.
Explanation: “Long time no see!” is said when you haven’t met someone for a long period. “Yes, it’s been a while!” is a friendly, natural response that recognizes the time apart and shows happiness to reconnect.
🌟
Practice using these greetings and responses in real conversations!
Practice Task 2: Fill in the Blanks Type the correct greeting or response for each blank!
✏️
Instructions: Type your answer in each blank. Press Check Answers to see instant feedback!
Explanations for Practice Task 2 Understand Each Correct Answer!
📝
Click each card to expand the explanation.
Hello, Anna! How are you? ▼
✔ “Hello” is a friendly, all-purpose greeting. Adding someone’s name makes it more personal and polite.
A: Good afternoon!
B: Good afternoon ▼
B: Good afternoon ▼
✔ “Good afternoon” is a formal greeting for the middle of the day. It is natural and polite to repeat the phrase in reply.
A: Hey! What’s up?
B: Not much ▼
B: Not much ▼
✔ “Not much” is a common, casual answer to “What’s up?” between friends. It means everything is normal.
A: How are you?
B: I’m fine, thanks. And you? ▼
B: I’m fine, thanks. And you? ▼
✔ “I’m fine” is a polite, positive reply to “How are you?” Adding “thanks. And you?” continues the polite conversation.
A: Long time no see!
B: Yes, it’s been a while ▼
B: Yes, it’s been a while ▼
✔ “Yes, it’s been a while” is a natural response, showing you also notice it’s been a long time since meeting.
🌟
Review these explanations before moving to the next interactive task!
Practice Task 3: Choose the Best Reply Click to choose the best answer for each situation!
🎯
Instructions: Click your answer for each question. Press Check Answers for instant feedback!
Explanations for Practice Task 3 See Why These Are the Best Answers!
💡
Click each card to read the explanation.
Your friend says: “Hey! What’s up?” ▼
✔ B) Not much!
Explanation: “Not much!” is a casual, natural response to “What’s up?” between friends. It means “Nothing new” or “Everything’s OK.”
Explanation: “Not much!” is a casual, natural response to “What’s up?” between friends. It means “Nothing new” or “Everything’s OK.”
You meet your teacher in the morning. ▼
✔ B) Good morning, Ms. Brown!
Explanation: This is formal, polite, and respectful. “Hey!” is too informal for teachers, and “See you later!” is for saying goodbye, not for greetings.
Explanation: This is formal, polite, and respectful. “Hey!” is too informal for teachers, and “See you later!” is for saying goodbye, not for greetings.
Your colleague says: “How are you?” ▼
✔ B) I’m fine, thanks. And you?
Explanation: This polite answer keeps the conversation friendly and positive. “Take care!” is for goodbyes. “Good night!” is not used as a reply to “How are you?”
Explanation: This polite answer keeps the conversation friendly and positive. “Take care!” is for goodbyes. “Good night!” is not used as a reply to “How are you?”
Your friend says: “Long time no see!” ▼
✔ A) Yes, it’s been a while!
Explanation: This is a friendly, natural way to respond after not seeing someone for a long time. The other options do not fit this context.
Explanation: This is a friendly, natural way to respond after not seeing someone for a long time. The other options do not fit this context.
You leave a party at night. ▼
✔ B) Good night!
Explanation: “Good night!” is the correct, polite way to say goodbye in the evening or at night.
Explanation: “Good night!” is the correct, polite way to say goodbye in the evening or at night.
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Use these tips for real-life English conversations!
End-of-Tutorial Quiz (Randomized) Answer 10 random questions out of 30. Retake for new questions!
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Instructions: Select the best answer for each question, then check your results!
Congratulations on Completing This Course!
Your commitment and curiosity will help you speak English confidently in real life.
Share what you learned with a friend, or review your favorite sections for extra mastery!
Share what you learned with a friend, or review your favorite sections for extra mastery!
🚀
Next Steps: Try another interactive module, join our Telegram group for live Q&As, or recommend LingExam to your classmates!
Thank you for choosing LingExam Language Academy.
We can’t wait to see your progress!
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