The phrase “How is it going?” is one of the most common ways to start a casual conversation. It’s friendly, easy, and works almost anywhere — from texting a friend to greeting a coworker. But using the same line every time can get repetitive. Whether you want to sound more professional, relaxed, funny, or personal, there are plenty of other ways to ask how someone’s doing.
Here are 30 alternative ways to say “How is it going?” — each with its meaning, example, and best use.
1. How are you doing?
Meaning: A standard and friendly way to ask about someone’s well-being.
Example: Hey! How are you doing today?
Tone: Neutral, friendly.
2. How have you been?
Meaning: A warm way to check in with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Example: It’s been ages! How have you been?
Tone: Familiar, genuine.
3. What’s up?
Meaning: A casual way to ask what’s new or happening.
Example: Hey, what’s up?
Tone: Informal, laid-back.
4. How’s everything?
Meaning: A simple, friendly question about life in general.
Example: Hi there! How’s everything?
Tone: Polite, conversational.
5. How’s life treating you?
Meaning: Asks how things are going overall in someone’s life.
Example: Hey! How’s life treating you these days?
Tone: Warm, thoughtful.
6. What’s going on?
Meaning: A relaxed way to ask what someone’s doing or feeling.
Example: Hey, what’s going on? You look busy.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
7. How are things?
Meaning: Short and polite, ideal for everyday conversation.
Example: Good morning! How are things at work?
Tone: Neutral, pleasant.
8. How’s your day going?
Meaning: Focuses on the present moment.
Example: Hi! How’s your day going so far?
Tone: Friendly, everyday.
9. How’s everything going?
Meaning: Similar to “How is it going?” but slightly softer.
Example: Hey! How’s everything going with the new project?
Tone: Conversational, easygoing.
10. What have you been up to?
Meaning: Asks about recent activities or updates.
Example: It’s been a while! What have you been up to?
Tone: Curious, casual.
11. What’s new with you?
Meaning: Invites the person to share recent experiences.
Example: Hey, what’s new with you lately?
Tone: Friendly, warm.
12. How’s your week been?
Meaning: A polite way to ask about their recent days.
Example: Hi! How’s your week been so far?
Tone: Professional, light.
13. How’s your morning going?
Meaning: A time-specific greeting.
Example: Good morning! How’s your morning going?
Tone: Cheerful, conversational.
14. Everything good?
Meaning: A short, informal check-in.
Example: Hey man, everything good?
Tone: Relaxed, friendly.
15. How are you holding up?
Meaning: Used when someone’s going through a challenge.
Example: I know it’s been stressful. How are you holding up?
Tone: Caring, empathetic.
16. How’s your world?
Meaning: A fun, lighthearted twist on “How are you?”
Example: Hey superstar! How’s your world these days?
Tone: Playful, upbeat.
17. How’s it been going?
Meaning: Focuses on recent progress or updates.
Example: Hey, how’s it been going with the new job?
Tone: Casual, easygoing.
18. You doing okay?
Meaning: A caring way to check on someone’s emotional state.
Example: Hey, you doing okay after yesterday?
Tone: Gentle, warm.
19. What’s shaking?
Meaning: A humorous and very casual alternative.
Example: Yo! What’s shaking, my friend?
Tone: Playful, fun.
20. What are you up to today?
Meaning: Asks about current plans or activities.
Example: Morning! What are you up to today?
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
21. How’s your vibe today?
Meaning: Trendy way to check how someone feels.
Example: Hey! How’s your vibe today?
Tone: Modern, informal.
22. How’s your mood?
Meaning: Checks on someone’s emotional state.
Example: You look happy! How’s your mood today?
Tone: Caring, casual.
23. Everything all right?
Meaning: Shows concern or checks for reassurance.
Example: You’ve been quiet — everything all right?
Tone: Gentle, sincere.
24. How’s your day treating you?
Meaning: A creative way to ask how someone’s day feels.
Example: Hey! How’s your day treating you so far?
Tone: Friendly, expressive.
25. What’s good?
Meaning: Urban and youthful version of “What’s up?”
Example: Yo, what’s good?
Tone: Modern, casual.
26. How are things on your end?
Meaning: Useful in both personal and professional contexts.
Example: Hey, how are things on your end?
Tone: Polite, neutral.
27. How’s your schedule been?
Meaning: A practical check-in for busy people.
Example: How’s your schedule been lately? Still packed?
Tone: Professional, considerate.
28. You hanging in there?
Meaning: A comforting question for someone under stress.
Example: Work’s been rough, huh? You hanging in there?
Tone: Supportive, empathetic.
29. Everything running smoothly?
Meaning: Checks if things are going well.
Example: Hey, everything running smoothly at work?
Tone: Professional, polite.
30. How’s your day so far?
Meaning: A pleasant way to start a conversation anytime.
Example: Good to see you! How’s your day so far?
Tone: Friendly, neutral.
Conclusion
“How is it going?” may be simple, but switching up your phrasing can make your interactions more engaging and personal. From “What’s up?” to “How’s your day treating you?”, these alternatives fit every mood —
whether you’re greeting a friend, checking in on someone’s well-being, or opening a conversation at work. A thoughtful choice of words always leaves a warmer impression.
