Basic English Greetings for everyday with examples

Understanding Basic Greetings: Key Phrases for Effective Communication

Introduction to Basic Greetings

Greetings are the foundation of any conversation and play a crucial role in social interactions. Knowing how to greet someone appropriately can set the tone for a positive and engaging conversation. This lesson focuses on basic greetings and responses, providing you with a comprehensive list of phrases used in everyday interactions. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time or catching up with an old friend, these greetings will help you communicate effectively.

By the end of this lesson, you will be familiar with a wide range of greetings and responses, each accompanied by its meaning and examples to illustrate its use in context. These phrases are particularly useful for ESL and TEFL learners looking to improve their conversational skills and fluency.

Useful Vocabulary for Basic Greetings:

1. Greeting: A polite word or sign of welcome.
2. Response: A reply or answer.
3. Farewell: An expression of good wishes when parting.
4. Small talk: Light conversation for social occasions.
5. Polite: Showing good manners towards others.

Basic Greetings List with Examples and Meanings

Greetings

1. Good morning/afternoon/evening.

   • Meaning: Polite expressions are used to greet someone based on the time of day.
   • Example 1: Good morning! How did you sleep?
   • Example 2: Good afternoon! How was your lunch?
   • Example 3: Good evening! Did you have a good day?

2. Hello/Hi/Hi there!

   • Meaning: General greetings used at any time of the day.
   • Example 1: Hello! How are you today?
   • Example 2: Hi! It's great to see you.
   • Example 3: Hi there! What's new with you?

3. How are you?

   • Meaning: Asking about someone's well-being.
   • Example 1: How are you? I hope you're doing well.
   • Example 2: How are you today?
   • Example 3: How are you feeling this morning?

4. How are things?

   • Meaning: Asking about someone's general situation or well-being.
   • Example 1: How are things with you?
   • Example 2: How are things going at work?
   • Example 3: How are things in your new house?

5. How are you doing?

   • Meaning: Asking about someone's state or progress.
   • Example 1: How are you doing these days?
   • Example 2: How are you doing with your studies?
   • Example 3: How are you doing after the move?

6. How's it going?

   • Meaning: Informal way of asking how someone is.
   • Example 1: How's it going, mate?
   • Example 2: How's it going with your new project?
   • Example 3: How's it going since we last met?

7. How do you do?

   • Meaning: Formal greeting often used when meeting someone for the first time.
   • Example 1: How do you do? I'm John.
   • Example 2: How do you do? It's a pleasure to meet you.
   • Example 3: How do you do? My name is Sarah.

8. Long time no see

   • Meaning: Used when you meet someone you haven't seen in a long time.
   • Example 1: Long time no see! How have you been?
   • Example 2: Long time no see! What's new with you?
   • Example 3: Long time no see! It's great to catch up.

9. Haven't seen you in ages

   • Meaning: Expressing that it has been a long time since you last saw someone.
   • Example 1: Haven't seen you in ages! How's everything?
   • Example 2: Haven't seen you in ages! What have you been up to?
   • Example 3: Haven't seen you in ages! Let's grab a coffee.

10. Great to see you again.

    • Meaning: Expressing pleasure at meeting someone again.
    • Example 1: Great to see you again! How have you been?
    • Example 2: Great to see you again! You look well.
    • Example 3: Great to see you again! Let's catch up.

Responses

11. Nice to meet you

    • Meaning: Polite response when being introduced to someone.
    • Example 1: Nice to meet you! I'm Sarah.
    • Example 2: Nice to meet you! I've heard so much about you.
    • Example 3: Nice to meet you! How are you?

12. Glad to meet you

    • Meaning: Expressing happiness at meeting someone.
    • Example 1: Glad to meet you! Welcome to the team.
    • Example 2: Glad to meet you! Let's work well together.
    • Example 3: Glad to meet you! How was your journey?

13. Pleased to meet you

    • Meaning: Formal way of greeting someone new.
    • Example 1: Pleased to meet you! I'm John.
    • Example 2: Pleased to meet you! Hope you enjoy your stay.
    • Example 3: Pleased to meet you! Let's keep in touch.

14. It's a pleasure to meet you

    • Meaning: Very polite and formal greeting.
    • Example 1: It's a pleasure to meet you! How can I help you today?
    • Example 2: It's a pleasure to meet you! I'm here to assist you.
    • Example 3: It's a pleasure to meet you! Please, take a seat.

Small Talk

When You Are Well

15. I feel great

    • Meaning: Expressing that you are in excellent health or spirits.
    • Example 1: I feel great! Just got back from the gym.
    • Example 2: I feel great! Had a wonderful weekend.
    • Example 3: I feel great! Life couldn't be better.

16. Very well, thank you

    • Meaning: Polite way to respond when you are feeling good.
    • Example 1: Very well, thank you. How about you?
    • Example 2: Very well, thank you. It's nice to see you.
    • Example 3: Very well, thank you. How have you been?

17. I'm okay

    • Meaning: Indicating that you are fine or average.
    • Example 1: I'm okay, just a bit tired.
    • Example 2: I'm okay, thanks for asking.
    • Example 3: I'm okay, how are you?

18. All right

    • Meaning: Indicating that everything is fine.
    • Example 1: I'm all right, thanks for asking.
    • Example 2: Everything's all right on my end.
    • Example 3: I'm all right, how about you?

19. Couldn't be better

    • Meaning: Expressing that you are in the best possible state.
    • Example 1: I couldn't be better! Everything's going well.
    • Example 2: I couldn't be better! Just got a promotion.
    • Example 3: I couldn't be better! Life is fantastic.

20. Excellent

    • Meaning: Expressing that everything is very good.
    • Example 1: I'm excellent, thank you.
    • Example 2: Everything's excellent at work.
    • Example 3: I'm excellent, how are things with you?

21. Not bad

    • Meaning: Indicating that things are okay or satisfactory.
    • Example 1: I'm not bad, thanks.
    • Example 2: Not bad at all, just busy.
    • Example 3: I'm not bad, how are you?

22. Can't complain

    • Meaning: Indicating that everything is fine and there are no complaints.
    • Example 1: I can't complain, life is good.
    • Example 2: Can't complain, things are steady.
    • Example 3: I can't complain, how are you?

When You Are Unwell

23. Not too good

    • Meaning: Indicating that you are not feeling well.
    • Example 1: I'm not too good, feeling a bit sick.
    • Example 2: Not too good, caught a cold.
    • Example 3: I'm not too good, need some rest.

24. Not so great

    • Meaning: Indicating that things are not going well.
    • Example 1: I'm not so great, had a rough day.
    • Example 2: Not so great, work is stressful.
    • Example 3: I'm not so great, how are you?

25. A little under the weather

    • Meaning: Feeling slightly ill.
    • Example 1: I'm a little under the weather today.
    • Example 2: Feeling a little under the weather, might rest.
    • Example 3: A little under the weather, how are you?

26. I am poorly

    • Meaning: British English expression for feeling unwell.
    • Example 1: I am poorly, need to see a doctor.
    • Example 2: Feeling poorly, can't come to work.
    • Example 3: I am poorly, how are you?

27. I am tired

    • Meaning: Indicating that you are feeling exhausted.
    • Example 1: I am tired from all the work.
    • Example 2: Feeling tired, didn't sleep well.
    • Example 3: I am tired, need a break.

28. I feel awful

    • Meaning: Expressing that you are feeling very unwell.
    • Example 1: I feel awful, think I have the flu.
    • Example 2: Feeling awful, need to rest.
    • Example 3: I feel awful, can't get out of bed.

29. A bit better

    • Meaning: Indicating slight improvement in condition.
    • Example 1: I'm a bit better today.
    • Example 2: Feeling a bit better after some rest.
    • Example 3: A bit better, thanks for asking.

Farewells

30. Goodbye

    • Meaning: Used to express good wishes when parting.
    • Example 1: Goodbye! Have a great day.
    • Example 2: Goodbye! See you next time.
    • Example 3: Goodbye! Take care.

31. Bye/Bye-bye

    • Meaning: Informal way to say goodbye.
    • Example 1: Bye! See you later.
    • Example 2: Bye-bye! Take care.
    • Example 3: Bye! Have a nice day.

32. See you soon

    • Meaning: Indicating that you will meet again in the near future.
    • Example 1: See you soon! Let's catch up.
    • Example 2: See you soon! Take care.
    • Example 3: See you soon! Have a great day.

33. See you later

    • Meaning: Informal way to say that you will meet again later.
    • Example 1: See you later! Have fun.
    • Example 2: See you later! Let's talk soon.
    • Example 3: See you later! Take care.

34. See you tomorrow

    • Meaning: Indicating that you will meet again the next day.
    • Example 1: See you tomorrow! Have a good night.
    • Example 2: See you tomorrow! Take care.
    • Example 3: See you tomorrow! Don't be late.

35. Cheerio

    • Meaning: British informal way to say goodbye.
    • Example 1: Cheerio! See you later.
    • Example 2: Cheerio! Have a good day.
    • Example 3: Cheerio! Take care.

36. Take care

    • Meaning: Used to express good wishes for someone's wellbeing.
    • Example 1: Take care! See you soon.
    • Example 2: Take care! Have a great day.
    • Example 3: Take care! Stay safe.

37. Good night

    • Meaning: Used to express good wishes at the end of the day.
    • Example 1: Good night! Sleep well.
    • Example 2: Good night! Sweet dreams.
    • Example 3: Good night! See you tomorrow.

38. Have a nice day

    • Meaning: Wishing someone a pleasant day.
    • Example 1: Have a nice day! See you later.
    • Example 2: Have a nice day! Take care.
    • Example 3: Have a nice day! Enjoy.

39. Have a good weekend

    • Meaning: Wishing someone a pleasant weekend.
    • Example 1: Have a good weekend! See you Monday.
    • Example 2: Have a good weekend! Take care.
    • Example 3: Have a good weekend! Enjoy your time off.

Useful Expressions

40. Welcome

    • Meaning: Used to greet someone arriving.
    • Example 1: Welcome! Come on in.
    • Example 2: Welcome! How was your journey?
    • Example 3: Welcome! We're glad to have you.

41. Thank you

    • Meaning: Expressing gratitude.
    • Example 1: Thank you for your help.
    • Example 2: Thank you! I appreciate it.
    • Example 3: Thank you for coming.

42. You're welcome

    • Meaning: Polite response to thanks.
    • Example 1: You're welcome! Happy to help.
    • Example 2: You're welcome! Any time.
    • Example 3: You're welcome! My pleasure.

43. Please

    • Meaning: Polite request marker.
    • Example 1: Please pass the salt.
    • Example 2: Please, could you help me?
    • Example 3: Please take a seat.

44. Sorry

    • Meaning: Expressing apology.
    • Example 1: Sorry, I'm late.
    • Example 2: Sorry, I didn't mean to.
    • Example 3: Sorry for the inconvenience.

45. Excuse me

    • Meaning: Polite way to get someone's attention or apologise.
    • Example 1: Excuse me, where is the restroom?
    • Example 2: Excuse me, could I get by?
    • Example 3: Excuse me, I didn't catch your name.

46. Congratulations

    • Meaning: Expressing praise for someone's achievement.
    • Example 1: Congratulations on your new job!
    • Example 2: Congratulations! Well deserved.
    • Example 3: Congratulations! You did it.

47. Good luck

    • Meaning: Wishing someone success.
    • Example 1: Good luck with your exam!
    • Example 2: Good luck! You've got this.
    • Example 3: Good luck! All the best.

Summary and Takeaways

This lesson on basic greetings provides essential phrases and expressions to help ESL and TEFL learners enhance their communication skills. By mastering these greetings, learners can handle various social situations with confidence and ease.

Learners should practice these greetings regularly to become more comfortable and natural in their use. Key phrases like "Good morning," "How are you?" and "Goodbye" will enhance your ability to engage in conversations effectively.

To reinforce your learning, you can create dialogues using these greetings, participate in role-playing exercises, and use flashcards to test your memory. Regular practice will help you retain these phrases and use them confidently in your daily interactions.

For more lessons and tips, please visit our website and share this platform with others. Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/learningenglishfree.co.uk for additional resources and support. By connecting with us on Facebook, you can also reach out for personalised guidance.

Below are some basic English greetings and when to use them

1. Hello! - A general greeting for any time of day.
2. Hi there! - A casual and friendly greeting.
3. Good morning! - Used to greet someone in the morning hours.
4. Good afternoon! - Used to greet someone after 12 p.m. until early evening.
5. Good evening! - Used to greet someone during the evening hours.
6. Hey! - Very casual, often used with people you know well.
7. How's it going? - A casual way to ask someone how they are.
8. What’s up? - Another casual greeting to ask someone what they are doing.
9. Howdy! - An informal greeting, especially popular in the southern United States.
10. Welcome! - Used to greet visitors to your home or a place of business.
11. Nice to see you! - Used when you are pleased to see someone.
12. How have you been? - A question about someone’s well-being since you last saw them.
13. Greetings! - A more formal way to say hello.
14. Hello again! - Used when you see someone you've already seen once before on the same day.
15. Good to see you. - A warm greeting when you haven't seen someone for a while.

List of basic English greetings in a sentence

1. Hello!

   • "Hello! How have you been?"
   • "Hello there! It's nice to run into you."
   • "Hello! Is this seat taken?"

2. Hi there!

   • "Hi there! You look happy today."
   • "Hi there! I haven't seen you in ages."
   • "Hi there! What have you been up to?"

3. Good morning!

   • "Good morning! Ready for the big meeting?"
   • "Good morning! It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?"
   • "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"

4. Good afternoon!

   • "Good afternoon! Can I help you with anything?"
   • "Good afternoon! That was a great lunch, thanks."
   • "Good afternoon! Are you heading out soon?"

5. Good evening!

   • "Good evening! Shall we go for a walk?"
   • "Good evening! Dinner smells delicious."
   • "Good evening! Have you seen the sunset?"

6. Hey!

   • "Hey! I love your new haircut."
   • "Hey! I saved you a seat over here."
   • "Hey! Can you pass me the ball?"

7. How's it going?

   • "How's it going with your new job?"
   • "How's it going? Still playing tennis?"
   • "How's it going? I heard you moved."

8. What’s up?

   • "What’s up? You seem busy today."
   • "What’s up? Haven't heard from you in a while."
   • "What’s up? Anything new with you?"

9. Howdy!

   • "Howdy! Welcome to our ranch."
   • "Howdy, partner! How's life in the countryside?"
   • "Howdy! It's a pleasure to meet a fellow traveller."

10. Welcome!

    • "Welcome! Make yourself at home."
    • "Welcome to our city! Hope you enjoy your stay."
    • "Welcome back! How was your trip?"

11. Nice to see you!

    • "Nice to see you! You're looking well."
    • "Nice to see you! It’s been too long."
    • "Nice to see you at the gym, keeping fit!"

12. How have you been?

    • "How have you been since we last met?"
    • "How have you been feeling after your surgery?"
    • "How have you been handling the new schedule?"

13. Greetings!

    • "Greetings, everyone! Thank you for coming."
    • "Greetings, esteemed colleagues, let's begin."
    • "Greetings on this joyous occasion!"

14. Hello again!

    • "Hello again! Fancy seeing you twice in one day."
    • "Hello again! Still shopping, I see."
    • "Hello again! I thought you left already."

15. Good to see you.

    • "Good to see you, it’s been a challenging few weeks."
    • "Good to see you in class, your input is valuable."
    • "Good to see you at the reunion, you haven't changed a bit."

List of Informal greetings with examples

1. Hey!

   • "Hey! Are we still on for lunch today?"
   • "Hey there! You look happy, what's the good news?"
   • "Hey! I saw your sister at the mall yesterday."

2. Hi!

   • "Hi! I love your shoes, where did you get them?"
   • "Hi! Have you finished watching that series we talked about?"
   • "Hi there! It's so nice to bump into you here."

3. What’s up?

   • "What’s up? You seem lost in thought."
   • "What's up? I haven't seen you at the gym lately."
   • "What's up with you? Anything fun planned for the weekend?"

4. How’s it going?

   • "How's it going with the new puppy?"
   • "How's it going? Still working at the coffee shop?"
   • "How’s it going? I heard you started learning guitar."

5. Yo!

   • "Yo! I didn't expect to see you here!"
   • "Yo, can you throw me the remote?"
   • "Yo! Over here, I saved you a seat."

6. Sup? (slang for "What’s up?")

   • "Sup? You ready for the game tonight?"
   • "Sup? Are we still meeting up later?"
   • "Sup with the long face? Did something happen?"

7. Howdy! (especially in the Southern United States)

   • "Howdy! How’s your family doing?"
   • "Howdy, neighbor! Beautiful day, isn't it?"
   • "Howdy! I saw you got first place at the rodeo, congrats!"

8. Hello there!

   • "Hello there! I didn't see you come in."
   • "Hello there, stranger! It’s been ages!"
   • "Hello there! I heard you just got back from vacation."

9. Morning! (used any time before noon)

   • "Morning! Want some coffee?"
   • "Morning! Did you sleep well?"
   • "Morning! I’m heading out for a run, want to join?"

10. Evening! (used any time in the evening)

    • "Evening! Care for some tea?"
    • "Evening, folks! What's for dinner?"
    • "Evening! Mind if I join you for a walk?"

These informal greetings are perfect for casual conversations with friends, family, and people you interact with regularly.