Have you ever been in a situation where someone asks you how you are and you have no idea how to respond to it? Or maybe you say “I’m fine” because that is what you know but maybe you want to express that you are more than “fine”? How can you do that without sounding too extreme or too dull? Check out these examples below!
If you are greeted then return the greetings more warmly. If you are favored, then repay the obligation manifold; but he who takes the initiative will always excel in merit.
I have always wondered why all ESL institutions and many English teachers focus on using ” I’m fine” as a response to “How are you?” because in many ways, it sounds dull and to some native speakers, “I’m fine” could come across as you are not having a great day. It’s not a terrible response because you can in truth be having a “fine” day. But what if you wanted to express yourself more in casual ways? Or what about in formal ways? Take a look below at other ways you can respond in a greeting!
How to respond to strangers
When would you respond to strangers? Likely when you go to the bank, talk to a cashier at the grocery store, the waiter at a restaurant, and more! Likely anybody who is serving you in public, or maybe just a kind stranger on the side walk, whatever the case may be, there are some great ways to respond to them in a light and friendly way. Try these out!
Doing great, thanks!
Not too bad, thank you, and you?
Pretty good! Thanks!
Notice how they are all light-hearted, polite, and sweet! Saying “thanks!” shows lots of respect and you would make a strong first impression on those around you. Try these out the next time you are out running errands.
How to respond to friends and family
Of course in any language, you and your close friends would have a different tone and you are likely to be much more honest. So in this case, if you’re truly have a “fine” day, there’s nothing wrong with saying “I’m fine”, however! There are still more ways to express yourself naturally and honestly to those you are close to.
I’m amazing today! This one is clearly very expressive and is very appropriate if you are have a really good day.
Meh, I’m okay Saying “meh” is a verbal expressive gesture and is common to use if you are having a bad day. Saying “I’m okay” implies that you are not having the best day.
I’m having a bleh day This has the exact same meaning as “Meh, I’m okay”. “Bleh” is also a verbal expressive gesture.
So good!
Doing alright!
Couldn’t be better! This can be used in two ways: 1. You are actually having a great day, 2. You say it sarcastically meaning that you are not really have a good day.
Same old, same old Using this expression is very common for the older generation in North America. The idea is that everything, as before, is the same in your life since the last time you saw that person.
How to respond in formal settings
When you are in a formal situation and you need to make a strong impression, being polite and the key. So you should always ask the other person how they are, too. It is okay to say “I’m fine” here if you follow up with “and you?”. But there are still more ways to respond:
I’m doing good, thank you, and you?
Great, thank you, and you?
Not too bad, thank you, and you?
Just fine, thank you, and you?
Now what?
Now I encourage you to try these out! If you have a favorite, try to use it as much as you can until you try your next favorite. This way, you will build your internal memory slowly (you don’t want to blank before you have the chance to respond to their question!)
Tell us which one is your favorite, and why! Which one surprised you?
Until next time,
Teacher Dawn
