how is it going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'How is it going' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a polite manner of asking someone how they are doing. For example: I haven't heard from you in a while. How is it going?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

And crucially, how is it going to be taxed?

Vice

How is it going to attach to the console?

TechCrunch

How is it going?

The New Yorker

How is it going over?

The New York Times - Arts

How is it going to be managed?

The Economist

"How is it going?" she asks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

How fast is it going?

The New York Times - Sports

But how else was it going to get out there?

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

How is it all going?

TechCrunch

It seems this is how it is going to be".

Los Angeles Times

How is manufacturing going to handle it?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "How is it going" in both formal and informal settings to initiate a conversation or check on someone's progress. It shows genuine interest and encourages open communication.

Common error

While "How is it going" is versatile, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. If checking on a specific task, specify it (e.g. "How is the project going?") rather than leaving it open-ended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "How is it going" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to inquire about someone's well-being, progress on a task, or the state of affairs in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "How is it going" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to inquire about well-being or progress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and commonality. It is versatile, fitting both neutral and informal contexts, though formality depends on the specific situation. Related phrases include "How are you doing?" and "What's up?". When using "How is it going", ensure context is clear to avoid ambiguity and adapt your response to fit the conversation's tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How are you doing?

A general inquiry about someone's well-being, similar in tone and usage.

How's everything?

Inquires about all aspects of someone's life or a specific situation.

What's up?

A more informal and brief way to ask about someone's current state or activities.

How have you been?

Inquires about someone's well-being over a period of time, implying a previous acquaintance.

What's happening?

Asks about current events or activities in someone's life or a specific situation.

How are things progressing?

Focuses specifically on the progress of a project or situation.

How's life?

A broad question about someone's overall experiences and satisfaction.

What's new?

Asks about any recent or interesting developments in someone's life.

How are you holding up?

Asks about someone's ability to cope with a difficult situation.

Tell me what's going on?

An invitation to share current happenings or issues.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "How is it going"?

In professional or formal settings, consider using "How are you doing?" or "How are things progressing?" depending on whether you're asking about someone's well-being in general or a specific project.

Is "How's it going" the same as "How is it going"?

Yes, "How's it going" is a contraction of "How is it going" and carries the same meaning. The contracted form is slightly more informal.

How can I respond to "How is it going"?

Possible responses include "It's going well, thanks", "Not bad, how about you?", or "Things are challenging, but I'm managing". The best response depends on the context and your relationship with the person asking.

Is "How is it going" appropriate in a business email?

Yes, "How is it going" can be used in a business email, especially with colleagues you know well. However, for initial contact or very formal correspondence, a more formal greeting like "I hope this email finds you well" might be preferable.