When you ask someone “How is it going?”, you’re really saying, “I care about you—tell me how you’re doing.” But sometimes, repeating the same phrase feels dull or mechanical. Using thoughtful alternatives can help your message sound warmer, more natural, and more genuine. Whether you’re chatting with a friend, emailing a colleague, or starting a casual text, the right words can make your greeting feel personal, kind, and emotionally intelligent.
Let’s explore 30 other ways to say “How is it going?”, along with their meanings, examples, and best use cases so you can connect with people more authentically.
What Does “How Is It Going?” Mean?
Definition: “How is it going?” is an informal greeting used to ask someone how they’re doing or how things are progressing in their life, work, or situation.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is a friendly conversation starter, often used to check in on someone’s general well-being. It’s not always meant for deep conversations—sometimes it’s simply a polite social gesture.
Example:
- “Hey Sam, how’s it going?”
- “Pretty good! Just finishing up a few tasks.”
Best Use: Use it when you want to greet someone casually and open the door for conversation.
Tone: Friendly, light, and conversational.
Additional Notes: It’s great for both personal and casual professional settings, but there are warmer and more specific ways to express genuine care.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “How Is It Going?”
Definition: The phrase is polite and acceptable in informal professional environments but may feel too casual in formal communication.
Detailed Explanation: In offices with relaxed culture or among colleagues you know well, it’s perfectly fine. But when writing to a new client, superior, or in formal business settings, phrases like “How have you been?” or “I hope you’re doing well” might be more appropriate.
Example:
- Professional: “Hi Dana, hope you’re doing well. How have things been progressing on your end?”
- Casual: “Hey Dana, how’s it going with the new project?”
Best Use: Professional but friendly communication, team chats, or networking events.
Tone: Polite, neutral, and approachable.
Additional Notes: Context matters—choose warmth or formality based on your relationship with the person.
Pros and Cons of Saying “How Is It Going?”
Pros:
- Easy and universally understood.
- Sounds friendly and informal.
- Encourages small talk and connection.
Cons:
- Can sound repetitive or generic.
- Sometimes elicits brief responses like “Good” or “Fine.”
- May not show deep personal interest.
Best Tip: Rotate it with alternatives that show more genuine curiosity or empathy—that’s where the following 30 come in!
Synonyms For “How Is It Going?”
- How have you been?
- What’s new with you?
- How are things?
- How’s everything going?
- What have you been up to?
- How’s life treating you?
- Everything alright?
- How’s your day going?
- How are you holding up?
- How’s everything on your end?
- What’s going on with you?
- What’s happening?
- What’s up?
- How’s your week been?
- How are you feeling these days?
- How are things on your side?
- How’s everything been lately?
- How’s work going?
- How are things coming along?
- How’s life been treating you lately?
- How have things been on your end?
- How are you doing these days?
- How’s your morning/evening going?
- What’s been keeping you busy?
- What’s new in your world?
- How’s everything shaping up?
- How’s it been going lately?
- How’s your world these days?
- How’s the journey treating you?
- How’s life on your side of the world?
1. How have you been?
Definition: A warm and friendly way to ask about someone’s recent well-being or life updates.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase works beautifully when reconnecting with someone after a while. It feels personal and shows real interest.
Example: “Hey Mia, it’s been a bit since we talked—how have you been?”
Best Use: When you haven’t spoken to someone in a while.
Tone: Warm, friendly, genuine.
Additional Notes: Perfect for friends, family, and colleagues you know personally.
2. What’s new with you?
Definition: A casual phrase used to ask about updates in someone’s life.
Detailed Explanation: This expression feels relaxed and conversational. It invites the other person to share fresh news or changes.
Example: “Hey Alex, what’s new with you lately?”
Best Use: Great for social chats or friendly work interactions.
Tone: Curious, upbeat, lighthearted.
Additional Notes: Avoid using it too formally—it’s best for peers.
3. How are things?
Definition: A simple, polite way to ask about someone’s general situation.
Detailed Explanation: It’s more open-ended than “How are you?”—you’re asking about their life, work, or mood collectively.
Example: “Hi Jordan, how are things at your end?”
Best Use: Professional emails, check-ins, or friendly chats.
Tone: Neutral, courteous, approachable.
Additional Notes: Flexible enough for both formal and casual use.
4. How’s everything going?
Definition: A variation of the main phrase, slightly warmer and more complete.
Detailed Explanation: Adding “everything” makes it sound more inclusive and caring, as if you’re checking in on their whole life.
Example: “Hey, how’s everything going with the family and work?”
Best Use: When you genuinely want to check in.
Tone: Friendly and caring.
Additional Notes: Sounds more genuine than just “How’s it going?”
5. What have you been up to?
Definition: A conversational phrase to ask about recent activities.
Detailed Explanation: It encourages people to share stories or updates, not just “good” or “fine.”
Example: “Hey Sara, what have you been up to these days?”
Best Use: When catching up with someone.
Tone: Playful, warm, conversational.
Additional Notes: Perfect for texts, calls, or casual emails.
6. How’s life treating you?
Definition: A charming, friendly question about how things are going overall.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase conveys empathy—it shows you care how life’s circumstances are affecting someone.
Example: “Hi Mark, how’s life treating you lately?”
Best Use: When speaking to friends or peers in a light, caring tone.
Tone: Empathetic, warm, and casual.
Additional Notes: A nice choice for reconnecting.
7. Everything alright?
Definition: A brief check-in that shows concern or care.
Detailed Explanation: This can be casual or serious depending on your tone—it can mean “How are you doing?” or “Is something wrong?”
Example: “You’ve been quiet today—everything alright?”
Best Use: When you sense something might be off.
Tone: Caring, gentle, supportive.
Additional Notes: Avoid using it too bluntly in texts; soften it with warmth.
8. How’s your day going?
Definition: A polite, friendly way to ask about someone’s day so far.
Detailed Explanation: It feels timely and thoughtful, especially when you genuinely care about their day-to-day mood.
Example: “Good morning, Emma! How’s your day going so far?”
Best Use: Great for messages, calls, and small talk.
Tone: Positive, lighthearted, conversational.
Additional Notes: Simple and universally appropriate.
9. How are you holding up?
Definition: A comforting phrase showing emotional concern, especially during hard times.
Detailed Explanation: This goes beyond a casual greeting—it acknowledges possible struggles.
Example: “I heard about the workload—how are you holding up?”
Best Use: During stressful or emotional periods.
Tone: Compassionate, sincere.
Additional Notes: Use when you sense someone needs support.
10. How’s everything on your end?
Definition: A polite variation often used in professional communication.
Detailed Explanation: It expresses interest in how someone’s tasks, projects, or life are progressing.
Example: “Hi Natalie, how’s everything on your end?”
Best Use: Emails, client messages, or coworker check-ins.
Tone: Professional yet friendly.
Additional Notes: Perfect for hybrid formal-informal tone.
11. What’s going on with you?
Definition: A casual phrase asking for updates or what’s happening in someone’s life.
Detailed Explanation: This greeting adds a friendly curiosity—it invites the other person to open up naturally.
Example: “Hey Jake, what’s going on with you these days?”
Best Use: When talking to friends or peers.
Tone: Relaxed, open, conversational.
Additional Notes: Avoid in formal settings; better for casual chats.
12. What’s happening?
Definition: A breezy, modern way to say “How is it going?”
Detailed Explanation: This expression sounds upbeat and contemporary. It’s popular in everyday speech and gives a sense of energy and friendliness.
Example: “Hey! What’s happening? Haven’t seen you in a while.”
Best Use: Among friends, at social events, or casual texts.
Tone: Energetic, informal, lively.
Additional Notes: Keep it light; tone determines warmth.
13. What’s up?
Definition: A classic informal greeting meaning “How are you?” or “What’s new?”
Detailed Explanation: It’s widely used in modern English, especially among younger people.
Example: “Yo, what’s up?”
Best Use: Texts, chats, or casual face-to-face greetings.
Tone: Informal, cool, and friendly.
Additional Notes: Avoid in professional or formal situations.
14. How’s your week been?
Definition: A question showing interest in someone’s recent experiences.
Detailed Explanation: This one makes your check-in sound thoughtful and time-specific.
Example: “Hey Claire, how’s your week been so far?”
Best Use: When following up or chatting near week’s end.
Tone: Friendly, warm, polite.
Additional Notes: Excellent for coworkers or acquaintances.
15. How are you feeling these days?
Definition: A compassionate way to ask about someone’s emotional or physical state.
Detailed Explanation: This goes beyond small talk—it conveys empathy and genuine care.
Example: “You’ve been working nonstop—how are you feeling these days?”
Best Use: When someone’s been under stress or unwell.
Tone: Caring, gentle, supportive.
Additional Notes: Ideal for personal or sensitive conversations.
16. How are things on your side?
Definition: A slightly formal variation of “How is it going?”
Detailed Explanation: Common in professional emails and polite check-ins—it balances friendliness and professionalism.
Example: “Good afternoon, Paul. How are things on your side?”
Best Use: Business emails or project collaborations.
Tone: Polite, professional, respectful.
Additional Notes: Excellent for global or remote work communication.
17. How’s everything been lately?
Definition: A natural, warm way to ask about someone’s general life recently.
Detailed Explanation: It adds a sense of continuity—you’re acknowledging time has passed since you last talked.
Example: “Hi Nina! How’s everything been lately?”
Best Use: Catching up with acquaintances or old friends.
Tone: Friendly, thoughtful, calm.
Additional Notes: Suitable for both texts and emails.
18. How’s work going?
Definition: A focused question about someone’s professional life.
Detailed Explanation: This version personalizes the check-in toward work or projects.
Example: “Hey Ben, how’s work going these days?”
Best Use: When talking with colleagues or friends about their jobs.
Tone: Professional yet relaxed.
Additional Notes: Avoid if someone recently expressed job frustration—opt for something gentler.
19. How are things coming along?
Definition: A polite question about progress on tasks or goals.
Detailed Explanation: Frequently used in work contexts—it implies interest without pressure.
Example: “Hi Kim, how are things coming along with the new proposal?”
Best Use: Professional emails, follow-ups, and progress meetings.
Tone: Neutral, polite, supportive.
Additional Notes: Shows curiosity and involvement.
20. How’s life been treating you lately?
Definition: An empathetic, slightly poetic variation showing deep care.
Detailed Explanation: It feels personal and human, suitable when you genuinely want to check in.
Example: “Hey Lisa, how’s life been treating you lately?”
Best Use: Friends, family, or emotional reconnects.
Tone: Warm, sincere, reflective.
Additional Notes: A great phrase for emotional connection.
21. How have things been on your end?
Definition: Professional and courteous phrasing for remote collaboration.
Detailed Explanation: Adds politeness and neutrality, ideal for emails or cross-team updates.
Example: “Hi Andrew, how have things been on your end?”
Best Use: Professional communication.
Tone: Respectful, calm, balanced.
Additional Notes: Safe choice when unsure of tone.
22. How are you doing these days?
Definition: A gentle, classic expression of care.
Detailed Explanation: This phrasing slows down the question—it sounds authentic and sincere.
Example: “Hi Janet, how are you doing these days?”
Best Use: Catching up personally or professionally.
Tone: Kind, open, thoughtful.
Additional Notes: Good for any context where warmth matters.
23. How’s your morning going? / How’s your evening going?
Definition: Time-specific check-ins that feel considerate.
Detailed Explanation: These are small gestures that make people feel noticed and appreciated.
Example: “Hey Omar, how’s your morning going so far?”
Best Use: Texts, friendly emails, or chats during the day.
Tone: Pleasant, kind, personal.
Additional Notes: Personalize by adding the time of day.
24. What’s been keeping you busy?
Definition: A fun, curious way to invite someone to share updates.
Detailed Explanation: Encourages storytelling—great for friends and coworkers alike.
Example: “Hey Leo! What’s been keeping you busy lately?”
Best Use: Catching up with casual acquaintances.
Tone: Playful, conversational, warm.
Additional Notes: Avoid using if someone’s overwhelmed.
25. What’s new in your world?
Definition: A creative, slightly poetic way to ask for updates.
Detailed Explanation: Sounds friendly and open, encouraging conversation.
Example: “Hi Ava! What’s new in your world?”
Best Use: Texts or calls with people you know well.
Tone: Charming, easygoing, light.
Additional Notes: Adds freshness to casual chats.
26. How’s everything shaping up?
Definition: Often used to ask about progress or upcoming events.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect when you want to sound motivational or supportive.
Example: “How’s everything shaping up for your presentation?”
Best Use: Professional encouragement or progress talks.
Tone: Encouraging, optimistic.
Additional Notes: Avoid overusing—it can sound managerial if too frequent.
27. How’s it been going lately?
Definition: A friendly, conversational twist on the original phrase.
Detailed Explanation: It feels current and reflective, showing genuine interest.
Example: “Hey Jess, how’s it been going lately?”
Best Use: Friends, acquaintances, casual professional chats.
Tone: Friendly, sincere.
Additional Notes: Perfect bridge between casual and polite.
28. How’s your world these days?
Definition: A warm, creative expression suggesting genuine curiosity about someone’s life.
Detailed Explanation: It personalizes the question, making the person feel seen and important.
Example: “Hi Rachel, how’s your world these days?”
Best Use: Personal reconnects or meaningful conversations.
Tone: Caring, soft, thoughtful.
Additional Notes: Use when you truly wish to connect emotionally.
29. How’s the journey treating you?
Definition: A metaphorical and uplifting alternative, often used to inspire reflection.
Detailed Explanation: It implies curiosity about someone’s broader experiences, not just daily updates.
Example: “How’s the journey treating you since you started the new job?”
Best Use: Encouraging, reflective discussions.
Tone: Inspirational, supportive, warm.
Additional Notes: Perfect for deeper, life-oriented conversations.
30. How’s life on your side of the world?
Definition: A global-friendly check-in for long-distance friends or online colleagues.
Detailed Explanation: Adds charm and awareness of distance—it feels thoughtful and personalized.
Example: “Hey Maya! How’s life on your side of the world?”
Best Use: International chats or long-distance friendships.
Tone: Warm, globally aware, polite.
Additional Notes: Adds character to digital communication.
Conclusion
Finding other ways to say “How is it going?” can completely change how people perceive your warmth and sincerity. Simple tweaks—like asking “How’s life treating you?” or “What’s new in your world?”—help your conversations feel fresh, personal, and emotionally engaging.
Whether you’re writing an email, texting a friend, or greeting a coworker, choosing the right phrase helps you sound authentic, approachable, and genuinely caring.
Remember: language isn’t just about words—it’s about connection.
FAQs
1. What’s the most polite way to say “How is it going?”
→ “How have you been?” or “How are things on your side?” are polite, natural choices for both personal and professional use.
2. What’s a formal alternative to “How is it going?”
→ “I hope you’re doing well” or “How have things been progressing?” fit best in business settings.
3. What should I say instead of “How is it going?” in text?
→ Try “What’s new with you?” or “How’s your day going?” for friendly texting.
4. Is it okay to use “What’s up?” professionally?
→ No, it’s too casual. Save it for friends or peers you know well.
5. Which alternative sounds most caring?
→ “How are you holding up?” or “How’s life treating you?” express genuine emotional concern.
“Mia Rose at Grammar Synonyms is your ultimate guide to mastering language with style and precision. Whether you’re looking to enhance your vocabulary, perfect your grammar, or discover the ideal synonym, Mia Rose offers expert resources and creative solutions to help you express yourself flawlessly. With Grammar Synonyms, unlock a world of language possibilities and elevate every piece of writing you create.
