30 Most Common British Idioms & Phrases
How many British idioms do you know? How many of them do you use? Idioms are an important part of the language.
6 minute read
Wondering if there are other ways to say "Hope you're doing well"?
You're in the right place because in this article, we'll show you the most common alternatives and when to use them.
Let's dive in.
“Hi” and “Hello” are still the most commonly spoken words of greeting in the English language. But there are other longer phrases that native English speakers say or write to greet other people.
“Hope you are doing well” is a common English phrase that’s used to greet other people. It’s a phrase that acknowledges someone else and conveys good wishes.
This isn’t really a phrase that you will hear many people say. You’re more likely to encounter this phrase written down rather than said out loud.
When to Use "Hope You're Doing Well"
“Hope you are doing well” messages are commonly used as opening sentences in written correspondence, both formal and informal.
While you can use this phrase informally, like in a short gossipy email to a friend or before launching into a recitation of the doings of your family on a Christmas card, it is considered rather formal and even a bit old-fashioned.
You are more likely to receive a “hope you are doing well” text or email at work, usually from colleges and clients. It isn’t really something that you would expect to receive from an old friend. It is a classic opener.
You might also see “hope you are fine” or “hope you are okay” or “I hope you are all right,” which basically mean the exact same thing.
While you can’t go wrong with classics, there’s no denying that sometimes you wish to use a phrase that is less generic and will make your message stand out from all the rest of the e-mails that your recipient might receive during the course of their day.
If you want to express the hope that someone is doing well, you can also try some of these other phrases which mean the same thing. We’re also including a downloadable PDF with quick hints on when you should use the phrases.
Get your copy of the “hope you’re doing well” alternatives
10 Better Alternatives to “Hope You’re Doing Well”
1. Hope you are doing well and safe
According to the magazine “Wired”, with the world in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, this version of “hope you are doing well” is rising in popularity.
Adding the word “safe” to the basic “doing well” phrase adds a bit more of a personal touch and can come off as a bit warmer while still maintaining an air of formality that makes this appropriate for formal correspondence.
2. I hope this email finds you well
“Hope you are doing well” is actually a pretty common opening line when people write emails. An alternative then is to actually mention the fact that you are sending them an email.
You can begin with, “I hope this email finds you well,” which has the same meaning as “Hope you are doing well”. The difference is that while “hope you are doing well” is a generic message, that you can say aloud or write in a letter or email, “I hope this email finds you well” is specifically for use in an e-mail message.
This is also a good way to say “hope you are doing well” in formal email correspondences. It adds a nice air of gravitas.
3. “How’s life in (Place name)”
This is an opening line that you can use when writing an email to a friend or colleague that you have a relatively close relationship to who lives or works some distance from you.
It is a warmer, more personal version of “hope you’re doing well” because it allows you to add a small detail that is specific to the recipient, their present location.
It implies that you are close enough to have shared personal details and also implies that you hold the person in high enough regard that you would remember personal details, in this case where they are based.
It’s probably not a good way to address an email to a superior or to someone you haven’t really met.
4. “I hope you’re having a great week”
This is a nice and upbeat way to begin an informal email. It is a more relaxed and general way of asking somebody about their current situation.
5. “Hope you had a good weekend!”
If you are sending a work colleague a business email at the start of the workweek, you use this phrase. It basically says three basic things: it sends them a greeting, it inquires about their state of mind, and it reminds both of you that the workweek is now beginning.
While it might sound light and a bit informal, it is considered appropriate enough for work emails to anyone at any level.
6. “I hope you are having a productive day”
This is a good alternative to use when beginning a business email. It basically asks about someone’s current state of being, but it talks specifically about being “productive” which is something that is important to people in a business setting.
You probably don’t want to ask a child or your aunt who lives in another city if they are “productive”.
7. “How’s life in your world?”
This is an acceptable alternative to a generic “doing well” inquiry or a too business-like “have a productive day” greeting. If you are using this in a work setting, make sure that it is to a colleague that you are close to as it is rather informal.
8. “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?”
This is a sweet and thoughtful alternative to “hope you are doing well.” Take note though it’s very informal and has personal implications, so it’s probably not appropriate to use this phrase if you were writing to a co-worker or colleague.
This type of personal greeting is best sent to people in your inner circle, like a relative or a friend who lives far away or who you don’t really see regularly.
9. “I miss you! Are you doing okay?”
This is another alternative to “hope you’re doing well” that is basically a perkier and more youthful version of “I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?”
The same intent is here, you are saying that someone you haven’t seen in a while is in your thoughts and you are writing because you are interested in their well-being.
10. “I recently heard about your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.”
There is another circumstance where people might tell someone else that they “hope they are doing well” and that would be when the party they are addressing has suffered a crisis. Usually, the crisis has to do with the loss of someone who was close to them.
If you have a colleague or an acquaintance that has lost a loved one this would be the appropriate alternative, formal way to ask them how they are doing. It is a formal expression of sympathy and a non-intrusive way of asking if you can do something to help them.
If you or the recipient is a person of faith, you could also say “I recently heard about your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Conclusion
It’s generally thought that “hope you are doing well” is more a polite bit of small talk. Not necessarily a sincere inquiry. It’s a longer version of saying “hello” or “hi” in writing.
Given that, the formal reply to “hope you are doing well” should be brief and somewhat generic. No need to give a detailed report of your state of being.
If a company representative writes this in an email, there is no reason to get into the fact that your back hurts or tell them you’re already thinking about what to eat for lunch.
The best and simplest reply would be a variation of “I am well, thank you.” Other alternatives to this would be:
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I am very well, thanks, and hope you are as well.
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I am well, thanks. Hope it is the same with you too.
By answering this, you are acknowledging the good wishes of the person who wrote to you but also indicating that you understand that this isn’t a personal e-mail and are serious. Then, answer the rest of the questions contained in the main body of the email sent by the person who hopes you are “doing well”.
Of course, if this is a personal e-mail or one that starts with a more informal version of “hope you are doing well” feel free to take more time to give a genuine answer to that question.
If you find a good native language tutor who can teach you English, they can help make sure that you know all the polite ways to speak – and write – greetings appropriate for anyone and in all circumstances.
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