Speaking

Speaking

Greetings

There are a number of greetings we use when meeting people. These greetings depend on whether we are meeting people, leaving people or meeting people for the first time.

Meeting People for the First Time

When introduced to someone for the first time, use the following greetings:

Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. How do you do?

Example Dialogues

Fatima: Ameera, this is Fatima.

Ameera: Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. Fatima : How do you do?

Ameera: How do you do?

Note: The reply to 'How do you do?' is 'How do you do?' This is appropriate when

you meet someone for the first time.

Meeting People

When meeting people during the day, use the following phrases.

Formal

Good morning / afternoon / evening!

How are you?

It's good to see you.

Informal

Hi!

Hey, how's it going?

What's up?

Example

Bhuvana : Good morning Roshini.

Ilango : Good morning. How are you?

 Bhuvana : What's up?

Ilango : Nothing much. You?

Formal Greetings: Arriving

* Good morning / afternoon / evening!

* Hello (name) , how are you?

* Good day Sir / Madam (very formal)

* Good morning Mr. Raju.

* Hello Ms. Sherlyn. How are you today?

Informal Greetings: Arriving

Hi / Hello! -                     :  How are you? / How are you doing?

How are you?-                 :  Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)

How are you doing?-        :  Fine / Great (informal)

What's up? (very informal) : Not much. I'm just (watching TV, cooking dinner, etc.)

Informal Greetings After a Long Time

If you haven't seen a friend or family member for a long time, use one these informal greetings to mark the occasion.

* It's great to see you!

* How have you been?

* Long time, no see.

* How are you doing these days?

Formal Greetings: Departing

Use these greetings when you say goodbye at the end of the day. These greetings are appropriate for work and other formal and informal situations.

 Formal

Good morning / afternoon / evening.

It was a pleasure seeing you.

Goodbye.

Goodnight. (Note: Use after 8 p.m.)

 Informal

Nice seeing you!

Goodbye / Bye

See you later

Later (very informal)

Practice Dialogues

Greetings in Informal Conversations:

Amala: Sanjay, what's up?

Sanjay: Hi Amala. Nothing much. I'm just hanging out. What's up with you?

Amala: It's a good day. I'm feeling fine.

Sanjay: How is your sister?

Amala: Oh, fine. Not much has changed.

Sanjay: Well, I have to go. Nice seeing you!

Amala: Later!

Answer:

(i) what’s up

(ii) Nothing much

(iii) Nice seeing you!

Greetings in Formal Conversations

Cecily: Good morning.

Prabu: Good morning. How are you?

Cecily: I'm very well, thank you. And you?

Prabu: I'm fine. Thank you for asking.

Cecily: Do you have a meeting this morning?

Prabu: Yes, I do. Do you have a meeting as well?

Cecily: Yes, Well. It was a pleasure seeing you.

Prabu: Goodbye.

Answer:

(i) How are you?

(ii) "I’m fine

(iii) a pleasure seeing you