Finding the right words to check in with someone can make all the difference. While “How is it going?” is a common, casual phrase, it can sometimes feel routine or impersonal. Using warmer, more thoughtful alternatives allows you to express genuine care, make conversations feel more meaningful, and strengthen your connections.
Below, we’ll explore 30 other ways to say “How Is It Going?”—each with explanations, examples, and the best context to use them.
What Does “How Is It Going?” Mean?
The phrase “How is it going?” is a casual greeting used to ask about someone’s general well-being, current situation, or mood. It’s usually informal, friendly, and often doesn’t demand a deeply detailed answer—people might respond with a simple “Good, thanks” or “Not bad.”
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “How Is It Going?”
Yes, it can be professional and polite depending on context. In casual workplace chats, it’s perfectly fine. However, in formal settings—such as business emails, client meetings, or job interviews—phrases like “How have you been?” or “I hope you’re doing well” may sound more polished.
Advantages or Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Warm and approachable
- Easy to use in everyday conversations
- Encourages casual connection
Disadvantages:
- Can feel too generic or repetitive
- May not invite deeper conversation
- Lacks nuance in professional contexts
Synonyms For “How Is It Going?”
- How are you doing?
- How have you been?
- What’s new with you?
- How are things?
- What’s been going on?
- What’s happening?
- How’s everything?
- How’s life treating you?
- How are you feeling?
- How’s your day going?
- What’s going on?
- How’s your week been?
- What’s up?
- How’s it been?
- How are things going for you?
- What are you up to?
- How’s everything going?
- How’s life?
- How are you holding up?
- How’s your morning going?
- How’s your evening going?
- How’s your night been?
- How’s your world?
- How’s your day been so far?
- What’s good?
- What’s happening with you?
- How are you holding on?
- How’s work (or school) going?
- How’s everything on your end?
- How’s it all going?
1. How are you doing?
Definition: A slightly more formal version of “How is it going?”
Meaning: A check-in that emphasizes the person’s state or feelings.
Detailed Explanation: It feels a touch warmer and can be used in both casual and professional settings.
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “Hi Sam, how are you doing?”
- Response: “I’m doing well, thanks! How about you?”
Best Use: Work settings, acquaintances, polite conversations.
Tone: Friendly, respectful, semi-formal.
2. How have you been?
Definition: A phrase checking in on someone’s life since the last time you spoke.
Meaning: It suggests you care about their past experiences, not just the present.
Detailed Explanation: Great for reconnecting after time apart.
Scenario Example:
- Friend after months apart: “Hey! How have you been?”
- Response: “I’ve been great, busy with work. How about you?”
Best Use: Reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Tone: Warm, thoughtful, conversational.
3. What’s new with you?
Definition: A question about recent events in someone’s life.
Meaning: Invites the other person to share updates.
Detailed Explanation: Works well when you’re genuinely interested in catching up.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “It’s been a while! What’s new with you?”
- Response: “I just started a new job!”
Best Use: Friends, family, or casual catch-ups.
Tone: Curious, friendly, engaging.
4. How are things?
Definition: A casual way of asking about someone’s life in general.
Meaning: Neutral but still warm.
Detailed Explanation: Can be used in everyday conversations when you don’t need details.
Scenario Example:
- Neighbor: “Hey there, how are things?”
- Response: “Pretty good, thanks for asking.”
Best Use: Small talk, casual exchanges.
Tone: Easygoing, conversational.
5. What’s been going on?
Definition: Asks about recent happenings in someone’s life.
Meaning: Shows curiosity about updates.
Detailed Explanation: Encourages a little more detail than “How is it going?”
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “So good to see you! What’s been going on?”
- Response: “Just busy with school projects.”
Best Use: Catching up after some time.
Tone: Curious, warm, friendly.
6. What’s happening?
Definition: A casual, upbeat check-in.
Meaning: Similar to “What’s up?” but with more energy.
Detailed Explanation: Often used with friends or younger crowds.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, what’s happening?”
- Response: “Not much, just relaxing.”
Best Use: Informal chats.
Tone: Fun, light, casual.
7. How’s everything?
Definition: A general check-in about life overall.
Meaning: Broader than “How are you?”
Detailed Explanation: Can apply to work, family, or personal well-being.
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “Hey, how’s everything?”
- Response: “All good, thanks!”
Best Use: Semi-formal and casual settings.
Tone: Friendly, open, inclusive.
8. How’s life treating you?
Definition: A playful but genuine check-in.
Meaning: Suggests care about how life circumstances are affecting someone.
Detailed Explanation: Warm, sometimes humorous.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey buddy, how’s life treating you?”
- Response: “Not bad, can’t complain!”
Best Use: Friendly settings, lighthearted chats.
Tone: Warm, informal, slightly humorous.
9. How are you feeling?
Definition: A check on someone’s emotional or physical state.
Meaning: More personal and empathetic.
Detailed Explanation: Goes deeper than “How is it going?”
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “I heard you were sick. How are you feeling?”
- Response: “Much better, thanks for asking.”
Best Use: When showing care and empathy.
Tone: Warm, caring, compassionate.
10. How’s your day going?
Definition: A check-in focused on the current day.
Meaning: Invites someone to share details about their present experience.
Detailed Explanation: Works especially well in professional or casual settings.
Scenario Example:
- Manager: “Hi, how’s your day going?”
- Response: “It’s going well, just finished a report.”
Best Use: Professional check-ins, casual small talk.
Tone: Polite, conversational, approachable.
11. What’s going on?
Definition: A casual phrase similar to “What’s happening?”
Meaning: Seeks updates about the other person’s life.
Detailed Explanation: It’s easygoing and works in almost any casual context.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey! What’s going on?”
- Response: “Just relaxing at home.”
Best Use: Everyday conversations with friends.
Tone: Relaxed, informal.
12. How’s your week been?
Definition: Focuses on a person’s recent week.
Meaning: Invites reflection on recent events, both good and bad.
Detailed Explanation: Great for checking in midweek or at the end of the week.
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “Hey, how’s your week been so far?”
- Response: “Busy, but productive!”
Best Use: Workplace, casual catch-ups.
Tone: Friendly, interested.
13. What’s up?
Definition: A classic, short greeting.
Meaning: Asks what the person is doing or how they are.
Detailed Explanation: Widely used, but very casual.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, what’s up?”
- Response: “Not much, you?”
Best Use: Informal chats with friends.
Tone: Easygoing, casual, lighthearted.
14. How’s it been?
Definition: A shortened way to ask how things have been going.
Meaning: Shows interest in recent life events.
Detailed Explanation: More conversational than “How have you been?”
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “How’s it been?”
- Response: “Good, just working a lot lately.”
Best Use: Informal conversations.
Tone: Friendly, relaxed.
15. How are things going for you?
Definition: A personalized version of “How is it going?”
Meaning: Emphasizes interest in the person’s experiences.
Detailed Explanation: Sounds thoughtful and sincere.
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “Hi Jane, how are things going for you?”
- Response: “Pretty well, thank you.”
Best Use: Professional or polite interactions.
Tone: Warm, respectful, semi-formal.
16. What are you up to?
Definition: A check-in about current activities.
Meaning: Suggests curiosity about the other person’s actions.
Detailed Explanation: Great for casual conversations or reconnecting.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, what are you up to?”
- Response: “Just grabbing some coffee.”
Best Use: Informal chats, text conversations.
Tone: Curious, casual, light.
17. How’s everything going?
Definition: A broader, more comprehensive check-in.
Meaning: Covers both work and personal life.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in professional and personal contexts.
Scenario Example:
- Manager: “How’s everything going with your project?”
- Response: “Pretty smoothly so far.”
Best Use: Work updates, supportive conversations.
Tone: Professional yet warm.
18. How’s life?
Definition: A short, friendly phrase asking about life in general.
Meaning: Invites a broad response.
Detailed Explanation: Simple, open-ended, and works well with friends.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, how’s life?”
- Response: “Not bad, just busy.”
Best Use: Casual chats.
Tone: Relaxed, informal, friendly.
19. How are you holding up?
Definition: A phrase that checks in on someone’s resilience.
Meaning: Shows empathy, especially in stressful times.
Detailed Explanation: Goes deeper than casual greetings.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “I know work’s been tough—how are you holding up?”
- Response: “It’s been rough, but I’m managing.”
Best Use: Supportive, caring conversations.
Tone: Compassionate, empathetic.
20. How’s your morning going?
Definition: A time-specific check-in.
Meaning: Focuses on the start of someone’s day.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in professional and casual settings.
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “Good morning! How’s your morning going?”
- Response: “So far, so good—thanks!”
Best Use: Work mornings, polite exchanges.
Tone: Warm, polite, professional.
21. How’s your evening going?
Definition: Similar to “How’s your day going?” but time-specific.
Meaning: Invites reflection on the person’s evening activities.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for after-work or evening conversations.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, how’s your evening going?”
- Response: “Pretty relaxing, just watching TV.”
Best Use: Casual evening chats.
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
22. How’s your night been?
Definition: A late-night or next-day check-in.
Meaning: A caring way to ask about someone’s night.
Detailed Explanation: Often used when texting or calling at night.
Scenario Example:
- Partner: “Good morning! How’s your night been?”
- Response: “Not bad, slept pretty well.”
Best Use: Personal conversations, close relationships.
Tone: Warm, caring, intimate.
23. How’s your world?
Definition: A more creative, personal alternative.
Meaning: Suggests interest in everything happening in someone’s life.
Detailed Explanation: Playful and affectionate.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, how’s your world these days?”
- Response: “Busy, but full of good things.”
Best Use: Close friends, lighthearted chats.
Tone: Playful, warm, engaging.
24. How’s your day been so far?
Definition: A check-in about someone’s day up to now.
Meaning: Encourages reflection on the immediate past.
Detailed Explanation: More personal than “How’s your day going?”
Scenario Example:
- Colleague: “How’s your day been so far?”
- Response: “Pretty good, got a lot done.”
Best Use: Work and casual settings.
Tone: Polite, conversational.
25. What’s good?
Definition: A slang greeting.
Meaning: Similar to “What’s up?” but trendier.
Detailed Explanation: Popular in youth culture.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Yo, what’s good?”
- Response: “Just chilling, how about you?”
Best Use: Casual, young crowds.
Tone: Fun, modern, relaxed.
26. What’s happening with you?
Definition: A personalized form of “What’s happening?”
Meaning: Encourages more personal sharing.
Detailed Explanation: Shows interest in the person, not just in general.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “It’s been ages! What’s happening with you?”
- Response: “I just moved to a new city!”
Best Use: Friendly reunions, catch-ups.
Tone: Curious, warm.
27. How are you holding on?
Definition: A caring variation of “How are you holding up?”
Meaning: Often used in difficult times.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests empathy and concern.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “I know things have been tough—how are you holding on?”
- Response: “Trying my best, thanks for checking in.”
Best Use: Supportive settings.
Tone: Empathetic, compassionate.
28. How’s work (or school) going?
Definition: A check-in focused on someone’s main occupation.
Meaning: Shows care about their daily responsibilities.
Detailed Explanation: Great when you know the person’s context.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “How’s work going?”
- Response: “Busy, but manageable.”
Best Use: Professional or casual chats.
Tone: Respectful, supportive.
29. How’s everything on your end?
Definition: A professional-sounding check-in.
Meaning: Asks about life, work, or circumstances.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails or business calls.
Scenario Example:
- Email: “Hope you’re doing well! How’s everything on your end?”
- Response: “All good here, thanks for asking.”
Best Use: Business, semi-formal contexts.
Tone: Polite, professional, approachable.
30. How’s it all going?
Definition: A broader, friendly greeting.
Meaning: Combines casual and thoughtful tones.
Detailed Explanation: Suitable for both social and professional use.
Scenario Example:
- Friend: “Hey, how’s it all going?”
- Response: “Pretty well, can’t complain.”
Best Use: Flexible across settings.
Tone: Friendly, approachable, adaptable.
Conclusion
Asking “How is it going?” is simple, but sometimes, the right alternative makes all the difference. Whether you’re aiming for warmth, professionalism, curiosity, or empathy, these 30 alternatives give you ways to show care and invite meaningful conversation. By choosing thoughtful words, you can strengthen connections and make interactions more genuine.
Mia Rose is a passionate language expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping individuals enhance their grammar and writing skills with clarity and confidence. With a keen eye for detail and a love for effective communication, she provides insightful tips, practical advice, and easy-to-understand explanations.