bid hello

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bid hello" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It could be used in a poetic or creative context to convey the act of greeting someone, but it is not standard. Example: "As the ship sailed away, I stood on the shore to bid hello to my friend one last time."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When he bid hello to — and blandly asked the name of — another volunteer, the response was an automatic "No comment".

The New York Times

He then bid hello to the elevator operator.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By bidding hello to a daily commuter, Mr. Delsaert said, "the man opened up to talk about train delays".

The New York Times

Besides re ducing congestion, the plan will cut the number of well wishers bidding hello or good by to passengers.

The New York Times

Ms. Giffords, who made her way through the hearing room slowly, passing by several senators to bid them hello and give them a kiss, sat next to her husband and slowly began her remarks.

The New York Times

The large family groups that jam into Eldorado are greeted by a miniature Texaco gas pump and an enthusiastic young woman who holds the front door open while bidding them hello and goodbye.

The New York Times

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 5.10pm BST The baton has been passed So I bid you hello.

The Guardian - Sport

Guests in cocktail dresses posed for photos and bid on Hello Kitty merchandise at the silent-auction table.

Los Angeles Times

With a brief glance out his car window -- barely visible through cordons of Secret Service officers, black SUVs and security barricades -- the soon-to-be leader of the free world bid a brief hello last night to the town he will now call home and to his new neighbors: scores of spectators camped outside his temporary quarters at the Hay-Adams Hotel.

The Washington Post

The ISS cruises at 14,500 miles per hour; if my math is right, Suni traveled 2,400 miles between the time she said hello and bid me farewell.

Huffington Post

Is she bidding goodbye to her old life or hello to her new one?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "say hello" or "greet" unless aiming for a distinctly formal or archaic tone. While "bid hello" isn't incorrect, it might sound unusual to contemporary ears.

Common error

Avoid using "bid hello" in casual contexts. This phrase carries a level of formality that may be inappropriate for everyday conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct greetings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bid hello" functions as a verb phrase, where "bid" acts as a verb meaning 'to offer' or 'express', and "hello" functions as a noun representing the greeting. Ludwig suggests that the phrase, while grammatically sound, is not a common expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bid hello" is a grammatically correct but uncommon way to greet someone. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's mostly found in news media and carries a slightly formal or archaic tone. While not incorrect, alternatives like "say hello" or "greet someone" are generally preferred in modern English for their simplicity and directness. As Ludwig AI highlights, the unusual nature of the construction should be carefully considered for appropriate use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

say hello

A simple and widely understood way to express the act of greeting.

give a hello

A slightly less formal way of "saying hello".

greet someone

This alternative uses a more common and direct verb for the action of greeting.

welcome someone

Focuses on the act of making someone feel comfortable upon arrival.

exchange greetings

Implies a mutual act of greeting between two or more people.

extend greetings

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of offering a greeting.

make one's greetings

A more elaborate way to describe the act of greeting.

acknowledge someone's presence

A formal and somewhat indirect way of referring to a greeting.

offer a salutation

A highly formal way to greet someone, emphasizing respect.

hail someone

An older, less common term for greeting, sometimes implying calling out to someone.

FAQs

What does "bid hello" mean?

The phrase "bid hello" means to greet someone. It's a somewhat formal or archaic way of saying "say hello" or "greet".

Is "bid hello" grammatically correct?

Yes, "bid hello" is grammatically correct, but it's not a very common or contemporary way to express a greeting. It may sound slightly old-fashioned or overly formal.

What can I say instead of "bid hello"?

You can use alternatives like "say hello", "greet someone", or "extend greetings" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "bid hello"?

It might be appropriate to use "bid hello" in formal writing or when trying to create a specific, perhaps slightly old-fashioned, tone. In most everyday situations, simpler greetings are preferable.