greeting words

USAGE SUMMARY

"greeting words" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to words or phrases used to greet someone. Example: "She used warm greeting words to welcome her guests." Alternative expressions include "greeting phrases" and "welcoming words."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you are to-be-a-friend, only pronounce the greeting words.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Arrange alphabet blocks face-up to spell out the greeting, word or name.

Huffington Post

The first step down the path of learning Hindi is taken with learning the universal greeting-word used by hundreds of millions of Hindi-speakers every day: namaste!

The Guardian - Travel

Time for Sebastian Coe to give some words of greeting.

The New York Times

Mr. Raichel, whose piano was placed to the side of the stage, restricted himself to a few words of greeting.

The New York Times - Arts

Nasrallah, dressed in a black turban and brown robes, smiled and spoke a few words of greeting.

The New Yorker

Then comes a horn and flute call in C major, which Brahms once included on a postcard to Clara with loving words of greeting.

The Guardian - Music

He may even have invented after the event his famous words of greeting at Ujiji: "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"Mr Jeal finds that Stanley's imagination carried over into his journalism.

The Economist

When working as a reporter in Abyssinia, he was sent to find the explorer David Livingstone, famously greeting him with the words "Dr Livingstone, I presume?" when he discovered him at Ujiji in 1871.

The Guardian - Books

Aware that the morning's session had already been prolonged in order to receive him, he rose at once to give his address but sat down again when Cardinal Liénart, of Lille, indicated that he wished to say a few words of greeting.

The New Yorker

When the two swimsuit models arrive, that's the crime writer Mickey Spillane leading the chase, greeting them with the words "Hi, dolls!" The final slogan seems more like a resigned commentary on American stagnation and mediocrity than a consumer enticement: "Everything you ever wanted in a beer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting greetings, consider your audience and the context. Using appropriate "greeting words" sets the tone for your interaction.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or specialized language as "greeting words", especially when addressing a general audience. Stick to clear and universally understood language to ensure a welcoming and inclusive start to any communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greeting words" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the specific words or phrases used to initiate a conversation or interaction. The Ludwig AI analysis supports this function by highlighting examples where it is used in various communicative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greeting words" refers to the specific vocabulary used to initiate interactions. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to identify and categorize the language of initial communication. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its register can vary from formal to informal depending on the actual words used. When composing your own greetings, be sure to consider your audience and the overall context to ensure that you choose the most appropriate and effective "greeting words".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words of welcome

Emphasizes the welcoming nature of the words used.

initial greetings

Emphasizes that these are the first words or gestures exchanged.

welcoming remarks

Focuses on the spoken aspect of greeting, emphasizing the act of welcoming.

conventional greetings

Emphasizes the traditional or standard nature of the greetings.

customary greetings

Highlights the habitual or expected nature of the greetings.

greetings and salutations

More formal and emphasizes different forms of greetings.

formal greetings

Specifically refers to greetings that adhere to formal etiquette.

pleasantries

Focuses on polite and often superficial remarks exchanged as a form of greeting.

opening address

Formal and usually refers to a speech or formal greeting at an event.

introductory speech

Refers to a speech that introduces someone or something, often containing greetings.

FAQs

How can I use "greeting words" effectively in a professional email?

In professional emails, start with formal "greeting phrases" like "Dear [Name]" or "Good morning/afternoon [Name]" followed by a brief, polite opening line.

What are some alternatives to using standard "greeting words"?

Depending on the context, you can use more casual alternatives such as "Hi [Name]", "Hello [Name]", or, in very informal settings, simply "Hey [Name]".

How do "greeting words" differ across cultures?

Different cultures have unique greetings. Some may involve physical contact like handshakes or bows, while others rely heavily on specific verbal "greeting phrases". Research cultural norms before interacting.

Which is more appropriate, "greeting words" or "welcoming remarks"?

"Greeting words" refers generally to any words used as a greeting. "Welcoming remarks", on the other hand, are more specific and often used in formal settings to express a warm reception. "Words of welcome" could be another viable option.