How are things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "How are things" is correct and is commonly used in written English
This phrase is typically used as a greeting between two people, generally as a casual conversation starter. Example: Hi John, how are things? I haven't seen you in a few weeks, how have you been?

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How are things going?

The New York Times

"How are things?" "Fine".

The New York Times

"How are things?" "Good.

The New Yorker

How are things with Caroline?

The New York Times

"How are things?" "Weird".

The New Yorker

How are things made?

The New York Times - Arts

How are things with the job?

The New Yorker

How are things in Gaza?

The Guardian

"How are things going?" "Weird.

The New Yorker

How are things different without George Steinbrenner?

The New York Times

"How are things?" I would ask.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "How are things" as a friendly and casual opening in emails or conversations when you want to show genuine interest in the other person's well-being or the status of a project.

Common error

Avoid using "How are things" in highly formal or professional settings where a more structured or direct inquiry might be more appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "Could you provide an update on..." or "What is the status of..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "How are things" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used as a greeting or conversation starter. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and common use. It invites a response about someone's well-being or the state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "How are things" is a versatile phrase used primarily as a greeting or conversation starter, suitable for neutral to informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While widely accepted, it's essential to consider the context and your relationship with the other person to ensure appropriateness. Alternatives like "how's it going" or "what's new" can offer a more casual approach, while more formal settings might warrant alternatives like "I hope you are doing well". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "How are things" to initiate meaningful conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How's it going

A common and informal greeting similar in meaning.

How's everything

Similar to "How are things", but broader in scope.

What's new

More casual and general inquiry about recent events.

How have you been

Focuses more on the person's well-being over a period of time.

What's happening

An informal greeting, similar to "What's new".

How's life treating you

Inquires about the overall quality of someone's experiences.

How are you holding up

Focuses on someone's ability to cope with a difficult situation.

What's up

A very informal and brief greeting.

How do you do

A more formal greeting, less common in everyday conversation.

What's the situation

Focuses on a specific situation rather than a person's well-being.

FAQs

What's the best way to respond to "How are things"?

A simple "Fine, thanks. And you?" is a polite response. You can also give a brief update if you're comfortable sharing, such as "Busy with work, but doing well, thanks!"

Is "How are things" appropriate for professional communication?

It depends on your relationship with the person. If you have a friendly rapport, it's fine. Otherwise, a more formal greeting might be better. Consider using something like "I hope this email finds you well" in initial communications.

What can I say instead of "How are things" in a formal email?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I hope you are doing well" or "I trust everything is going smoothly" which offer a more professional tone. You can also use specific inquiries like, "Could you please provide an update on project X?"

When is it not appropriate to ask "How are things"?

Avoid asking if you know the person is going through a difficult time or if the context is very serious, unless you are prepared to offer genuine support. In such cases, a more sensitive approach may be necessary.