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Day 8 of 60 · A1 · Speaking
Answer How are you? or How's it going? in a few honest words, then ask back: Not bad, thanks. And you? Pretty good. How about you? I'm a bit tired today. How are you?
Many learners learnt one textbook line, I am fine, thank you, and you?, and say it every time in the same flat voice. Others answer and stop, so the conversation ends. In real conversations, people vary the answer and ask back.
| ✗ Don't say | ✓ Say |
|---|---|
| I am fine, thank you, and you? | Not bad, thanks. And you? |
| I'm good, thank you. | I'm good, thanks. How about you? |
| — | I'm a bit tired today. How are you? |
| — | Really good, thanks! It's my day off. |
A: Hi, Sami! How's it going?
B: Not bad, thanks. A bit tired today. How about you?
A: Pretty good. I have a day off tomorrow!
B: Lucky you!
Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.
How's it going? is informal, for friends and classmates; How are you? works everywhere. When a shop assistant asks How are you?, it is a greeting: Good, thanks. And you? is enough.
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