The Difference Between “How Are

You” and “How Are You Doing”

Karen Hertzberg
Updated on 
June 13, 2018HOW TO

Almost daily, we’re asked, “How are you?” The question—and its popular
variation, “How are you doing?”—appears in emails from strangers and
acquaintances and in polite face-to-face conversation. But what do we really
know about this ubiquitous phrase?
What’s the difference between “How are you” and
“How are you doing?”

The phrases sound similar, but in certain contexts, they may have subtly different
meanings.

How are you? makes a slightly more personal inquiry about someone’s health or
mood. It focuses on the person’s condition. It’s also a bit more formal than “How
are you doing?”

How are you doing? is a general inquiry. It can ask about what’s going on in
someone’s environment (similar to questions like, “How’s your day been so
far?”) or in some contexts can mean “How are you faring?” or “Do you need
anything?” (Think of a server approaching your table at a restaurant and asking,
“How are we doing here?”) It’s considered a bit more casual and conversational
than “How are you?”

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In an audible conversation, the perceived differences between the two phrases

can vary regionally. Take this example from a forum discussion on the topic:

In my experience as a native speaker in the Middle Atlantic region . . . “How are

you?” is a bland greeting for someone you haven’t seen for a while, while “How
are you doing?” . . . may be an actual inquiry. The latter is more common when
there is some expectation that the subject might not be doing well.
For example: “Hey, haven’t seen you in ages! How are you?” versus . . . “How
are you doing: is the new baby still keeping you up all night?”

—cricketswool on English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

When spoken, both phrases convey unique meanings depending on which word
is accented. “How are you?” might come across as a one-size-fits-all greeting, but
“How are you?” would have a more personal or sincere tone, or even one of
concern. A rather flat “How are you doing?” can become outright flirtatious
when spoken, “How are you doing?” (especially if you drop the “are” and affect
your best Joey Tribianni accent.)

Which is more professional: “How are you?” or

“How are you doing?”

When you write an email or other text greetings, the stakes change a bit. Which
phrase sounds more professional?

Both phrases are appropriate for work correspondence, but stick to “How are
you?” in more formal settings. It’s also better to use “How are you?” when you
don’t know the correspondent very well—it’s generic enough to be considered a
polite (if rather meaningless) gesture.

Here’s a tip: It’s okay to leave “How are you?” unanswered when responding to an email
unless the answer is somehow pertinent.

 
5 Alternatives to Writing “How are you doing?” and
“How are you?” in Email

Because they’re so ubiquitous, these phrases can disappear into the background
or, worse, sound like insincere filler. And yet, sometimes you want to start an
email with a bit of polite banter. Here are a few options.

1 It was fun to bump into you at [event]. Did you come away as
fired up as I did?

If you know your contact, consider starting with something more personalized. A
shared experience like a conference is always a good starting point, particularly if
it’s relevant to the conversation to follow. Look for common ground and start
from there.

2 I hope your day has been upbeat and productive.

Who doesn’t want an upbeat, productive day? Think about the other person’s
work setting and come up with a few fun or clever ways to wish them well.
Another example would be . . .

3 Are the ideas flowing along with the coffee?

Try something like this out on a Monday morning to beat the back-to-work
doldrums.

4 I enjoyed your   about [topic].

If you follow your contact on Twitter or keep an eye on their blog, you can’t lose
with a comment about their professional tweet or post. Just make sure your
comment is a natural lead-in to the topic of your email or your comment will
seem irrelevant.

5 Hi [Name],

You don’t have to start with any friendly preamble. In fact, people who receive a
lot of email will appreciate you getting straight to the point.

3 Ways to answer “How are you?” in Conversation

Most people agree it’s best not to take “How are you?” too literally. Although
everyone asks, few people want you to recite a laundry list of the day’s events or
personal struggles. Context clues will tell you whether the person asking is
making a sincere inquiry about your welfare or just engaging in polite chit-chat.

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1 I’m fine, thanks. How are you?

By far the most socially acceptable response to “How are you?” is “Fine, thanks”
with a reciprocal, “How are you?”

Here’s a tip: In many cultures, “How are you?” and “Fine, thanks; and you?” are treated as
a polite social interaction and nothing more. Similar exchanges happen in other cultures. In
China, people often greet one another with, “Hello! Have you eaten?” The answer is always
a polite yes, regardless of your current state of hunger, and never an enthusiastic, “I could
eat!”

2 I’m having one of those days. How about you?

This type of exchange is appropriate if you’ve come upon someone who seems to
be having a challenging day and you want to share a little friendly
commiseration. Be warned, though, that if the other person isn’t also having “one
of those days,” you might seem as though you’re fishing for attention.

3 Happier than a seagull with a french fry!

If you’re in a good mood, there’s nothing wrong with sharing it. You might
brighten someone’s day in the process. Can you think of a few clever similes to
make your own?