Asking “How is everything going?” is a common way to check in on someone, but using the same phrase all the time can get repetitive. There are many other ways to ask this question that can sound more natural and engaging.
In this article, we’ll share 15 different ways to ask about someone’s well-being or progress. Each phrase will come with a simple example to show how you can use it in daily conversations.
If you’re talking to a friend, coworker, or client, these alternatives will help keep your conversations fresh and interesting. Let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 Is It Professional to Say “How Is Everything Going”
- 2 15 Other Ways To Say “How Is Everything Going?”
- 2.1 1. How are you doing?
- 2.2 2. What’s new with you?
- 2.3 3. How’s it going?
- 2.4 4. What’s happening?
- 2.5 5. How have you been?
- 2.6 6. Everything okay?
- 2.7 7. How’s life treating you?
- 2.8 8. Any updates?
- 2.9 9. How’s your day going?
- 2.10 10. What have you been up to?
- 2.11 11. How’s everything on your end?
- 2.12 12. How’s work (or school) going?
- 2.13 13. Anything exciting happening?
- 2.14 14. How’s your week been?
- 2.15 15. What’s the latest with you?
- 2.16 Conclusion
- 2.17 FAQS
Is It Professional to Say “How Is Everything Going”
Saying “How is everything going?” is usually professional and works well in most workplace conversations. It’s a friendly way to check in without being too formal.
In more formal situations, you might want to use phrases like “How is your progress on this?” or “How have things been on your end?” to sound more professional.
Overall, this phrase is fine to use at work, as long as it fits the tone of the conversation.
15 Other Ways To Say “How Is Everything Going?”
Discover 15 alternative ways to ask “How is everything going?” with examples for different situations.
- How are you doing?
- What’s new with you?
- How’s it going?
- What’s happening?
- How have you been?
- Everything okay?
- How’s life treating you?
- Any updates?
- How’s your day going?
- What have you been up to?
- How’s everything on your end?
- How’s work (or school) going?
- Anything exciting happening?
- How’s your week been?
- What’s the latest with you?
>> Related Guide: 15 Other Ways to Say “How Life Is Like” (With Scenarios)
1. How are you doing?
This is one of the most common ways to check in with someone. It’s simple, friendly, and works in almost any situation, whether formal or casual. It can be used in both personal and professional conversations.
Scenario: You meet a coworker in the office kitchen. You say, “Hey Sarah, how are you doing?” She responds, “I’m doing well, just a bit busy with reports.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, coworkers, acquaintances |
| Professional setting | Team meetings, work conversations |
| Formal setting | Business emails, client meetings |
2. What’s new with you?
This phrase is great when catching up with someone after a while. It invites them to share updates about their life, work, or interests.
Scenario: You run into an old friend at a café and say, “Hey Alex! Long time no see. What’s new with you?” He replies, “Not much, just started a new job.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, acquaintances |
| Professional setting | Networking events, casual chats with colleagues |
| Formal setting | Not typically used |
3. How’s it going?
This phrase is relaxed and informal. It’s a great way to start a conversation without making it too formal or serious.
Scenario: You message a colleague, “Hey Mark, how’s it going?” He responds, “Good! Just finishing up a project.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, coworkers, acquaintances |
| Professional setting | Casual workplace interactions |
| Formal setting | Not recommended |
>> Enjoy these helpful notes: How Much I Love You
4. What’s happening?
This phrase is used to ask about current events in someone’s life or surroundings. It’s a bit more casual and friendly.
Scenario: You greet a neighbor, “Hey, what’s happening?” They reply, “Not much, just enjoying the weather!”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, neighbors |
| Professional setting | Team members in informal settings |
| Formal setting | Not typically used |
5. How have you been?
This question is great when reconnecting with someone after some time. It shows interest in their well being.
Scenario: You email a former coworker, “Hey Lisa, how have you been?” She replies, “I’ve been good, just adjusting to my new job.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, family, acquaintances |
| Professional setting | Former colleagues, long-time clients |
| Formal setting | Emails, polite business conversations |
6. Everything okay?
This phrase is used to check if someone is doing well, especially if they seem off or troubled.
Scenario: Your friend looks stressed, and you ask, “Hey, everything okay?” They respond, “Yeah, just dealing with some work pressure.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, family |
| Professional setting | Concern for a colleague |
| Formal setting | Rarely used |
>> Explore these useful insights: Good Communication Skills
7. How’s life treating you?
This is a friendly way to ask about someone’s general well-being. It’s slightly more informal but still polite.
Scenario: You catch up with an old mentor and ask, “How’s life treating you?” They reply, “Pretty well, just busy as always.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, mentors |
| Professional setting | Lighthearted work chats |
| Formal setting | Not commonly used |
8. Any updates?
This phrase is often used in work settings to ask for progress on a task or project.
Scenario: Your manager asks, “Any updates on the marketing campaign?” You respond, “Yes, we finished the first draft of the content plan.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Group projects |
| Professional setting | Work updates, meetings |
| Formal setting | Business reports |
9. How’s your day going?
This is a friendly and simple way to check in with someone during the day.
Scenario: You ask your coworker, “How’s your day going?” They reply, “Pretty good, just catching up on emails.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, coworkers |
| Professional setting | Friendly workplace chats |
| Formal setting | Not commonly used |
>> Check out these handy tips: It Was a Good Day
10. What have you been up to?
This phrase is great for catching up with someone and inviting them to share recent activities.
Scenario: You message an old friend, “Hey, what have you been up to?” They reply, “Not much, just traveling a bit.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, family |
| Professional setting | Networking conversations |
| Formal setting | Not typically used |
11. How’s everything on your end?
This is a professional way to ask how things are going for someone, especially in work-related conversations.
Scenario: You email a colleague, “How’s everything on your end?” They reply, “Going well, just finishing some reports.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Long-distance friends |
| Professional setting | Work emails, client communication |
| Formal setting | Business meetings |
12. How’s work (or school) going?
This phrase is useful when asking about someone’s professional or academic life.
Scenario: You ask a student, “How’s school going?” They respond, “It’s been busy, but I’m learning a lot.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, students |
| Professional setting | Colleagues, interns |
| Formal setting | Business networking |
>> Find additional helpful notes: Thank You for Coming
13. Anything exciting happening?
This is a fun way to ask if someone has any interesting news to share.
Scenario: You ask a friend, “Anything exciting happening?” They respond, “Yes! I’m going on a trip next week.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, social chats |
| Professional setting | Light workplace discussions |
| Formal setting | Not typically used |
14. How’s your week been?
This is a polite way to ask someone about their recent experiences.
Scenario: You ask a colleague on Friday, “How’s your week been?” They respond, “It’s been busy, but productive.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, acquaintances |
| Professional setting | Workplace conversations |
| Formal setting | Emails, meetings |
15. What’s the latest with you?
This phrase is great for catching up with someone in an open-ended way.
Scenario: You call a friend and ask, “What’s the latest with you?” They respond, “Just started a new hobby, learning photography.”
| Situation | Appropriate Use |
| Casual setting | Friends, family |
| Professional setting | Networking events |
| Formal setting | Not commonly used |
>> Uncover more practical advice: Get Well Soon
Conclusion
Using different ways to ask, “How is everything going?” makes conversations more interesting. It helps keep things fresh and shows you care about the other person. Choosing the right phrase can make your chats feel more natural, whether you’re talking to a friend, coworker, or coworker.
Some phrases are better for casual talks, while others work well in professional settings. Knowing when to use them can make your conversations more engaging and meaningful. Small changes in the way you ask can make a big difference.
Next time you check in with someone, try using one of these 15 alternatives. A simple change in words can make your conversation feel more personal and thoughtful.
FAQS
What does “how’s everything going” mean?
“How’s everything going?” is a common question used to check in with someone. It can refer to how a person is feeling, how a project is progressing, or how life in general is unfolding. It’s a friendly and informal way to ask about someone’s well-being or status in both casual and professional settings. It shows interest in the other person’s situation without being overly specific.
How to reply to “how is everything going”?
When replying, you can share how you’re doing, whether it’s good or not so great. For example, “Everything’s going great, thanks!” or “It’s been a bit hectic, but I’m managing.” If you’re not feeling your best, you can say, “It’s been a challenging week, but I’m getting through it.” Keep your response short and honest.
How do I ask how everything is going?
To ask how everything is going, simply use variations like “How’s everything going?” or “How have things been?” If you want to ask more specifically about progress, you could say, “How’s the project going?” or “Any updates?” The key is to make it open-ended to allow the other person to share their experience.
How to ask how are things going?
You can ask, “How are things going?” to check in on someone’s situation. Other alternatives include, “How’s it going?” or “How’s everything on your end?” These phrases are friendly and work in casual and professional conversations, making them suitable for various situations.
How to ask how is everyone doing?
To check on a group, you can ask, “How is everyone doing?” or “How’s everyone today?” If you’re at work or in a formal setting, you might say, “How’s the team doing?” or “How has everyone been?” These questions help you gauge the well-being or progress of a group of people.
