How are things?
Situation inquiry
Use this to friendly check-in with acquaintances or friends about their general life status.
En 15 secondes
- A friendly way to ask about someone's general life and situation.
- Best used with people you have met at least once before.
- Commonly answered with 'Good,' 'Fine,' or 'Not too bad.'
Signification
This is a friendly way to ask someone about their life, work, or general situation. It is like asking 'How are you?' but it focuses more on the person's activities and environment.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Meeting a coworker in the breakroom
Hey Sarah, how are things?
Hey Sarah, how is everything going?
Texting a friend you haven't seen in a week
How are things? Hope you're having a good week!
How is your life lately? Hope your week is good!
Seeing a neighbor while walking the dog
Morning, Mike! How are things in your world?
Good morning Mike! How is your life going?
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a staple of 'small talk' culture in English-speaking countries. It serves as a social lubricant to bridge the gap between a greeting and a real conversation. Interestingly, in many dialects, people use the singular 'is' (How's things?) despite 'things' being plural, showing its evolution into a fixed idiomatic expression.
The 'Not Bad' Rule
In English, 'Not bad' often means 'Actually quite good.' If you answer 'How are things?' with 'Not bad,' you sound very natural!
Don't be too literal
The person isn't asking for a list of physical objects. Don't start talking about your chair or your shoes!
En 15 secondes
- A friendly way to ask about someone's general life and situation.
- Best used with people you have met at least once before.
- Commonly answered with 'Good,' 'Fine,' or 'Not too bad.'
What It Means
How are things? is a warm, general greeting. It asks about the person’s whole world. You are asking about their job, family, and mood. It is broader than just asking about health. It feels more personal than a simple Hello.
How To Use It
Use it when you see someone you already know. It works best with friends, neighbors, or colleagues. You don't need a long story to answer. Usually, people say Things are good or Not bad. It is a great way to start a conversation. Think of it as opening a door to chat. If they look busy, keep your answer short. If they sit down, you can give more details.
When To Use It
Use it at the office coffee machine. Use it when you bump into a neighbor. It is perfect for a mid-week text message. It shows you care about their general well-being. It is a very safe choice for social situations. You can even use it after a long time apart. It sounds natural and relaxed.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in a very formal ceremony. Avoid it when meeting a King or a CEO for the first time. It might be too casual for a serious legal meeting. Don't use it if someone is crying or in a crisis. In those moments, Are you okay? is much better. Also, don't use it with a total stranger on the street. They might think you are a bit too friendly!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we love 'small talk.' We use these phrases to be polite without being intrusive. It is a social 'check-in.' In the UK and USA, people often ask this even if they are in a hurry. It is a way to acknowledge the other person's existence. It became popular as a softer alternative to the stiff How do you do?. It reflects a more modern, egalitarian society.
Common Variations
You will hear many versions of this. How's things? is very common but grammatically 'wrong.' People say it anyway because it is easy to say! How are things going? is a bit more active. How are things with you? makes it more personal. In some places, you might hear How's it hanging? but save that for your best friends. Stick to How are things? to stay safe and polite.
Notes d'usage
This is a 'safe' phrase that sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is warmer than 'Hello' but more professional than 'What's up?'.
The 'Not Bad' Rule
In English, 'Not bad' often means 'Actually quite good.' If you answer 'How are things?' with 'Not bad,' you sound very natural!
Don't be too literal
The person isn't asking for a list of physical objects. Don't start talking about your chair or your shoes!
The Grammar Secret
Native speakers often say 'How's things?' (singular verb). It's technically wrong, but it sounds very relaxed and 'insider.' Use it to sound like a local.
Exemples
6Hey Sarah, how are things?
Hey Sarah, how is everything going?
A standard professional but friendly greeting.
How are things? Hope you're having a good week!
How is your life lately? Hope your week is good!
A low-pressure way to restart a conversation via text.
Morning, Mike! How are things in your world?
Good morning Mike! How is your life going?
Adding 'in your world' makes it feel more neighborly.
I see your room is a disaster... how are things, really?
Your room is messy, is your life okay?
Using the phrase to jokingly imply their life is as messy as their room.
I know the move was stressful. How are things now?
I know moving was hard. How is everything now?
Shows empathy by asking about their current state after a big event.
It's been a while! So, how are things?
We haven't met for a bit! So, how have you been?
The perfect 'icebreaker' for a long conversation.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the friendly greeting.
Hi Mark! How ___ things at the new office?
Since 'things' is plural, the grammatically correct verb is 'are'.
Select the most natural response to 'How are things?'
Person A: How are things? Person B: ___
'Things are great' directly answers the inquiry about the person's situation.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of 'How are things?'
Used with close friends or family.
How's things?
Standard use for colleagues and acquaintances.
How are things?
Polite but slightly stiff for high-level business.
How is everything with you?
Where to use 'How are things?'
Office Kitchen
How are things with the new project?
Phone Call
Hey Mom, how are things at home?
Gym
How are things? Still training hard?
Hi John, how are things in the London office?
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is a general inquiry about your life, work, and well-being. It is similar to How is your life going lately?.
Yes, How are you? is more about your personal feelings. How are things? is broader and includes your environment and activities.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for a friendly boss. It sounds professional yet warm, like in How are things in your department?.
Usually, no. It is better for people you have met before. For a first meeting, stick to Nice to meet you.
You can say A bit busy lately or Hanging in there. You don't have to say everything is perfect if it isn't.
Grammatically, yes, because 'things' is plural. However, it is a very common idiom in casual speech.
Yes, it is a great opening for a semi-formal or casual email. Try I hope things are going well.
Absolutely. It is a universal English expression used across all major English-speaking countries.
The most common answers are Good, thanks! or Not too bad, you?.
No, in this context, 'things' means 'events' or 'the general situation of your life'.
Yes, it is likely too casual. Stick to How are you doing today? in an interview setting.
Yes! Adding with you makes the question feel more focused and personal.
Expressions liées
How's it going?
A very common, slightly more casual version of 'How are things?'
How have you been?
Used when you haven't seen someone for a longer period of time.
What's new?
Asks specifically about any recent changes or news in someone's life.
How's life?
A very broad, often more philosophical or deeply personal version.
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