Introduction
In English, it’s common to greet people in many different ways depending on the time of day, their relationship with you, and the situation. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most commonly used greetings so you can confidently greet anyone in English.
Morning Greetings
Good morning is the most common greeting used in the morning, and it’s usually appropriate until around 11am. In a formal or business setting, you could also use “good day” or “hello.”
Afternoon Greetings
From 11am to around 6pm, “good afternoon” is a safe and polite greeting. If you’re in a relaxed setting, you could also go with “hey” or “hi.”
Evening Greetings
After 6pm, it’s customary to greet someone with “good evening.” It’s a bit more formal than “hey” or “hi” but less so than “good day.”
Generic Greetings
There are some greetings that can be used throughout the day in any situation. “Hello” is the most common, but you can also use “hi,” “hey,” or “morning/afternoon/evening” depending on the time of day. If you’re greeting someone on the phone, you could also say “this is [your name].”
Formal Greetings
If you’re in a business or formal setting, you may want to use more formal greetings. Some examples include “good day,” “how do you do,” “pleased to meet you,” and “it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Informal Greetings
In more casual situations, you can use informal greetings like “hey,” “hi,” “what’s up,” and “howdy.” These greetings are best reserved for friends, family, or peers you feel comfortable with.
Closing Thoughts
When greeting someone, it’s important to consider your relationship with them and the setting you’re in. Use these tips to confidently greet anyone in English, and remember to smile and be friendly!