Category: Basic Foundations

Basic Greetings

Learn essential English greetings and polite expressions for everyday conversations.

English Greetings

Greetings are the first words we exchange when meeting people. Using proper greetings shows respect and helps start conversations smoothly.

Basic Greetings

GreetingWhen to UseResponse
HelloAny timeHello
HiInformal, any timeHi
Good morningBefore noonGood morning
Good afternoonNoon to 5 PMGood afternoon
Good eveningAfter 5 PMGood evening
Good nightBefore sleep/leaving at nightGood night

"How Are You?" Variations

QuestionCommon Responses
How are you?I'm fine, thank you. / I'm good, thanks.
How are you doing?I'm doing well, thanks.
How's it going?It's going great! / Not bad.
What's up?Nothing much. / Not much, you?
How have you been?I've been good, thank you.

Tip: Always ask back: "And you?" or "How about you?"

Introductions

  • Nice to meet you. - When meeting someone for the first time
  • Pleased to meet you. - Formal introduction
  • My name is ___. - Introducing yourself
  • I'm ___. - Casual introduction
  • This is ___. - Introducing someone else

Polite Expressions

ExpressionWhen to Use
PleaseWhen making a request
Thank you / ThanksWhen receiving something
You're welcomeResponse to "thank you"
Excuse meGetting attention / passing by
Sorry / I'm sorryApologizing
No problemResponse to apology

Saying Goodbye

  • Goodbye - Formal
  • Bye / Bye-bye - Casual
  • See you later - Will meet again
  • See you soon - Will meet soon
  • Take care - Friendly goodbye
  • Have a nice day - Polite goodbye

Sample Conversation

A: Hello! Good morning.

B: Good morning! How are you?

A: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

B: I'm good, thanks. Nice to meet you. My name is John.

A: Nice to meet you too, John. I'm Sarah.

B: It was nice talking to you. See you later!

A: Bye! Take care!