Finding the right words to ask someone how they’re doing can make all the difference in building stronger relationships—whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or clients. Saying “How is it going?” is a classic, but sometimes it can feel routine or impersonal.
Using thoughtful alternatives can show genuine care, warmth, and emotional intelligence. These different ways to say “How is it going?” can make your conversations feel more human, friendly, and memorable—perfect for everyday chats or professional check-ins.
Let’s explore what this phrase really means, when to use it, and 25 natural, caring alternatives with examples.
What Does “How Is It Going?” Mean?
The phrase “How is it going?” is a casual way to ask someone about their well-being or current situation. It’s often used as a friendly conversation starter.
It can mean:
- “How are you doing?”
- “How’s everything?”
- “How are things in your life or work?”
The tone is usually casual, friendly, and open-ended, allowing the other person to respond however they like.
When to Use “How Is It Going?”
You can use “How is it going?” when:
- Greeting a friend, coworker, or classmate in a casual way.
- Starting a friendly email or chat at work.
- Checking in on someone without needing too much detail.
It’s great for light conversations but might not suit serious situations where empathy or depth is needed.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “How Is It Going?”
Yes — it’s polite and professional in most contexts, especially when said with a warm tone.
However, in formal settings (like emailing a senior executive or new client), it’s better to use phrases like “How have you been?” or “I hope you’re doing well.”
Pros and Cons of Saying “How Is It Going?”
Pros:
- Friendly and easy to use.
- Works in both personal and professional settings.
- Opens the door for casual conversation.
Cons:
- Can sound generic or automatic.
- May not express deep care or attention.
- Sometimes used as a filler without real interest.
Synonyms For How Is It Going?
- How are you doing today?
- How have you been lately?
- What’s new with you?
- How are things going on your end?
- How’s everything with you?
- How’s life treating you?
- How are things on your side?
- What’s been keeping you busy?
- How’s your day going so far?
- How are you holding up?
- What have you been up to lately?
- How’s everything coming along?
- How are things these days?
- What’s going on with you?
- How’s your week been so far?
- How’s it been going for you?
- How’s work (or school) treating you?
- What’s happening with you?
- How are you feeling today?
- How’s your morning (or evening) going?
- What’s been going on lately?
- How’s everything shaping up?
- How’s your day been so far?
- How’s life these days?
- Everything going okay?
1. How are you doing today?
Meaning: A caring version of “How is it going?” focused on the present moment.
Tone: Warm and personal.
Explanation: Adds sincerity by including “today,” showing you genuinely care about their current state.
Example: “Hey, how are you doing today? Everything okay at work?”
Best Use: When you want to show real empathy or interest.
When Not to Use: In very formal communication.
2. How have you been lately?
Meaning: A friendly way to reconnect and ask about someone’s recent life or mood.
Tone: Thoughtful and conversational.
Explanation: Works best when you haven’t talked in a while—it shows you’ve been thinking about them.
Example: “It’s been a while since we caught up! How have you been lately?”
Best Use: Catching up with old friends or clients.
When Not to Use: In day-to-day chats where you already talk regularly.
3. What’s new with you?
Meaning: Invites someone to share updates about their life or work.
Tone: Curious and cheerful.
Explanation: Encourages storytelling and deeper connection through sharing.
Example: “Hey, what’s new with you? Any fun weekend plans?”
Best Use: Informal chats and social catch-ups.
When Not to Use: When someone is going through something tough—it can sound insensitive.
4. How are things going on your end?
Meaning: A polite, professional way to check on progress or well-being.
Tone: Respectful and business-friendly.
Explanation: Common in emails or workplace conversations when checking in on projects or collaboration.
Example: “Hi Jane, how are things going on your end with the report?”
Best Use: Professional emails or team updates.
When Not to Use: With close friends—it can sound too formal.
5. How’s everything with you?
Meaning: A warm and general way to ask how someone is doing overall.
Tone: Friendly and genuine.
Explanation: Covers both personal and professional life, showing you care beyond surface-level talk.
Example: “Hey Alex, how’s everything with you these days?”
Best Use: Great for acquaintances, coworkers, or light check-ins.
When Not to Use: When a more specific question is needed.
6. How’s life treating you?
Meaning: A relaxed, conversational way to ask how life has been lately.
Tone: Playful and positive.
Explanation: Suggests empathy and genuine interest in their experiences.
Example: “Hey Sam, how’s life treating you these days?”
Best Use: Informal chats with friends or peers.
When Not to Use: In formal business communication.
7. How are things on your side?
Meaning: A polite way to ask about someone’s situation or progress.
Tone: Neutral and friendly.
Explanation: Common in work or team settings where collaboration is ongoing.
Example: “Hope all’s well—how are things on your side of the project?”
Best Use: Professional or cooperative discussions.
When Not to Use: In casual, personal chats—it can sound stiff.
8. What’s been keeping you busy?
Meaning: A light and friendly way to ask what someone has been doing.
Tone: Curious and open.
Explanation: Encourages sharing about hobbies, work, or new projects.
Example: “Hey Chris, what’s been keeping you busy lately?”
Best Use: Perfect for small talk or reconnecting.
When Not to Use: When someone is stressed—it may sound like pressure.
9. How’s your day going so far?
Meaning: A caring and time-specific greeting.
Tone: Gentle and conversational.
Explanation: Makes the other person feel noticed and valued in the moment.
Example: “Good morning! How’s your day going so far?”
Best Use: Great for friendly or polite check-ins.
When Not to Use: When sending formal corporate emails.
10. How are you holding up?
Meaning: A supportive question that shows concern during difficult times.
Tone: Empathetic and caring.
Explanation: Perfect when someone might be stressed, sad, or tired.
Example: “I heard things have been tough lately. How are you holding up?”
Best Use: Comforting a friend or colleague going through a hard time.
When Not to Use: In lighthearted or cheerful situations—it can sound too serious.
11. What have you been up to lately?
Meaning: A casual way to ask what someone has been doing or working on recently.
Tone: Friendly and conversational.
Explanation: This phrase invites updates and stories about someone’s life, hobbies, or projects.
Example: “Hey Mia, what have you been up to lately? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
Best Use: Perfect for catching up with friends or coworkers after a while.
When Not to Use: Avoid in formal writing—it’s too casual.
12. How’s everything coming along?
Meaning: A way to ask about progress on something someone is working on.
Tone: Supportive and polite.
Explanation: Great for showing interest in someone’s efforts, whether it’s work or a personal goal.
Example: “Hi Leo, how’s everything coming along with your presentation?”
Best Use: Team discussions, check-ins, and progress updates.
When Not to Use: When you’re asking about personal well-being—it focuses more on tasks.
13. How are things these days?
Meaning: A broad way to ask about someone’s general state or life situation.
Tone: Calm and caring.
Explanation: Sounds thoughtful and interested without being too direct.
Example: “It’s been a while—how are things these days?”
Best Use: Gentle small talk or reconnecting with acquaintances.
When Not to Use: When you need to sound formal or professional.
14. What’s going on with you?
Meaning: A lively, conversational way to ask what’s new in someone’s life.
Tone: Friendly and curious.
Explanation: Encourages open sharing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Example: “Hey Sam, what’s going on with you lately?”
Best Use: Between close friends or casual chats.
When Not to Use: Avoid in business or formal settings.
15. How’s your week been so far?
Meaning: A specific and kind way to ask about someone’s recent days.
Tone: Thoughtful and caring.
Explanation: This question feels personal and considerate, showing attention to their recent experiences.
Example: “Hey, how’s your week been so far? Getting through everything okay?”
Best Use: Great for workplace check-ins or friendly conversations midweek.
When Not to Use: When you’re catching up after a long time—it sounds too short-term.
16. How’s it been going for you?
Meaning: Another variation of “How’s it going?” that adds personal focus.
Tone: Warm and genuine.
Explanation: Makes the question feel softer and more about the person than just their situation.
Example: “How’s it been going for you since the move?”
Best Use: Checking in on friends or teammates with ongoing changes.
When Not to Use: Too informal for formal emails.
17. How’s work (or school) treating you?
Meaning: A friendly way to ask how someone is doing in a specific part of their life.
Tone: Playful yet considerate.
Explanation: Adds a personal touch by referring to their daily environment.
Example: “Hey, how’s work treating you these days?”
Best Use: Light workplace talk or friendly messages.
When Not to Use: When you don’t know their current job or situation—it could feel awkward.
18. What’s happening with you?
Meaning: A relaxed greeting that asks what’s new or interesting in someone’s life.
Tone: Casual and upbeat.
Explanation: Works well when you want to sound social and lively.
Example: “Hey Jamie, what’s happening with you lately?”
Best Use: Friendly chats and informal conversations.
When Not to Use: Not suitable for professional emails or meetings.
19. How are you feeling today?
Meaning: Focuses on emotional or physical well-being.
Tone: Gentle and empathetic.
Explanation: Shows true care and attention to how the other person feels in the moment.
Example: “You seemed a little tired earlier—how are you feeling today?”
Best Use: When checking in with someone personally or emotionally.
When Not to Use: In formal or surface-level conversations.
20. How’s your morning (or evening) going?
Meaning: A time-specific, friendly greeting that feels natural.
Tone: Cheerful and polite.
Explanation: A quick but caring way to start a conversation at any time of day.
Example: “Good evening! How’s your evening going so far?”
Best Use: Great for casual messages, customer service, or friendly emails.
When Not to Use: When the timing is unclear (like across time zones).
21. What’s been going on lately?
Meaning: Invites someone to share recent updates in their life.
Tone: Engaging and curious.
Explanation: Encourages a friendly and open response.
Example: “Hey, what’s been going on lately? Anything exciting?”
Best Use: Perfect for reconnecting after a few weeks or months.
When Not to Use: Avoid if the person recently faced difficulties—it can sound too casual.
22. How’s everything shaping up?
Meaning: A positive, progress-oriented version of “How’s it going?”
Tone: Motivational and upbeat.
Explanation: Often used to discuss projects, goals, or future plans.
Example: “How’s everything shaping up with the event planning?”
Best Use: Work updates, team check-ins, or supportive conversations.
When Not to Use: Not ideal for emotional or personal topics.
23. How’s your day been so far?
Meaning: Similar to “How’s your day going?” but often used later in the day.
Tone: Warm and polite.
Explanation: Feels caring and genuine, especially in face-to-face chats.
Example: “Hey! How’s your day been so far?”
Best Use: Informal greetings and everyday small talk.
When Not to Use: When you’re contacting someone for the first time professionally.
24. How’s life these days?
Meaning: A general way to ask about someone’s life and mood.
Tone: Easygoing and friendly.
Explanation: Encourages a reflective response about how things have been going overall.
Example: “It’s been forever! How’s life these days?”
Best Use: Great for reconnecting or light social chats.
When Not to Use: In formal or client communications.
25. Everything going okay?
Meaning: A simple, caring check-in question.
Tone: Soft and sincere.
Explanation: Shows you’re genuinely concerned about someone’s well-being without prying.
Example: “Hey, you’ve been quiet lately. Everything going okay?”
Best Use: When someone seems off or you want to express subtle care.
When Not to Use: Avoid in formal writing—it’s too conversational.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can I say instead of “How is it going?” in a friendly way?
You can say “How have you been lately?”, “What’s new with you?”, or “How’s your day going so far?” These phrases sound natural, friendly, and genuine, helping you start warm and engaging conversations.
2. What’s the most professional way to say “How is it going?”
For a professional setting, try “How are things on your end?”, “I hope you’re doing well,” or “How’s everything coming along?” These alternatives sound polite, respectful, and business-appropriate.
3. How do I ask “How is it going?” without sounding repetitive?
Mix up your tone and words! Instead of always saying “How’s it going?”, you could ask:
- “How have you been?”
- “What’s been keeping you busy?”
- “How’s life treating you?”
Varying your phrases keeps your conversations fresh, authentic, and engaging.
4. Can I use “How is it going?” in an email?
Yes, but only in casual or semi-professional emails. For example:
“Hi Jake, how’s it going? Just wanted to follow up on our meeting.”
Avoid it in formal messages—use “I hope you’re doing well” or “I trust this message finds you well” instead.
5. What’s a more caring way to ask “How is it going?” when someone is struggling?
Use gentle, empathetic phrases like:
- “How are you holding up?”
- “How are you feeling today?”
- “Everything going okay?”
These show compassion and emotional awareness, making your words feel supportive and sincere.
Conclusion
Finding different ways to say “How is it going?” can help you build more genuine, heartfelt connections. Whether you’re checking in with a friend, emailing a client, or starting a friendly chat, the words you choose show how much you care and listen.
Small changes—like saying “How have you been lately?” or “How’s your day going so far?”—turn routine greetings into real conversations that make people feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
Remember: the key isn’t just what you say, but how you say it.
A kind tone, a genuine smile, and a moment of attention can make any greeting feel warm, human, and meaningful.
