hi

USAGE SUMMARY

"hi" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in informal writing or when greeting someone in an email or letter. For example: "Hi, how are you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He'd have his back to you in silhouette, dressed all in black, and he'd swing around and say "Hi, I'm Johnny Cash".

The Guardian

"Hi, my name is Jeremy," he said, "I am your local MP". My cousin, who lives in Finsbury Park, and I both know people who Corbyn has personally intervened to help, writing supporting letters to help with housing, immigration and other legal matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Hi, Melissa here," a young Scottish presenter announces, while a funky sounding guitar plays in the background.

The Guardian

"Hi Peter, it's Iain here.

The Guardian

The scene was improvised but De Niro had tried out a version of it in an earlier film he made with Brian De Palma, I think it's called Hi Mom!

The Guardian - Film

His analyses of prussic acid and hydriodic acid (HI) necessitated a modification of Antoine Lavoisier's theory that oxygen was present in all acids.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Briton, who made his living from the hi-tech boom in California's Silicon Valley, has dared to challenge the assumptions behind the internet revolution which began there and swept the world.

The Guardian - Tech

But if Eltayeb is alive to the absurdity of American hi-tech pitted against "a simple factory in one of the poorest countries in the third world", he can also count the cost.

The Guardian

Morphophonemic processes such as assimilation, elision, and fusion may change the resulting phonetic form considerably, as in the case of the Burunge selector lugoo (from *la-hi-gu-oo, comprising an optative clause + third person singular subject + second person singular masculine object + prospective tense).

Britannica

The name came from a club, the Warehouse, where deejay Frankie Knuckles eschewed the contemporary gay dance music style, the ultrafast Hi-NRG.

Britannica

During the hi-matsuri ("fire festivals") at the beginning of the new year, worshippers carry back to their home hearths torches lit from the new fire started by the temple priest.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hi" in informal contexts like casual emails, text messages, or when greeting someone you know well. Avoid using it in formal business correspondence or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid starting formal emails or letters with "hi". Instead, use a more professional greeting like "dear" followed by the person's name.

Linguistic Context

Hi functions primarily as an interjection, serving as a greeting. It is used to initiate a conversation or acknowledge someone's presence, as seen in examples like "Hi, how are you?". Ludwig AI confirms that it's a usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Hi is an informal greeting suitable for casual conversations and messages. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English, although formal settings require alternatives like "hello" or "dear [Name]". It's a common interjection in news and media sources, but remember to avoid it in professional contexts. While "hi there" is a slightly friendlier alternative, it remains informal. The frequency is uncommon based on Ludwig's examples. The source authority is high, particularly due to its presence in sources like The Guardian and Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hello

A more formal and universally accepted greeting.

Hi there

A slightly more elaborate and friendly greeting.

Hey

A slightly more casual and informal greeting.

Howdy

An informal greeting, common in some regions.

Greetings

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned greeting.

Good day

A polite and somewhat formal greeting.

Yo

A very informal and casual greeting, often used among friends.

How are you

Expresses interest in the other person's well-being.

What's up

A very casual greeting, asking about the other person's current activities.

Good morning

A greeting specific to the morning.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "hi"?

Use "hi" in informal settings, such as casual conversations, emails to friends, or when you're in a relaxed environment. It's best to avoid using it in formal or professional communications.

What can I say instead of "hi" in a formal setting?

In formal settings, opt for greetings like "Dear [Name]", "Good morning", or "Good afternoon". These options convey respect and professionalism.

Is "hi there" more formal than "hi"?

"Hi there" is slightly more elaborate and friendly than a simple "hi", but it's still considered informal. It can be used in slightly more varied situations, but avoid it when formality is required.

Is it okay to use "hi" in an email?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to use "hi" in an email, particularly if you are communicating with someone you know well or in an informal context. For business or formal emails, a more formal greeting is recommended.