Answers to "How are you?"

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I guess that all non-native speakers have been taught to answer with "Fine, thank you". However, I've heard many Americans respond with "Good". In films and in real life. I remember I used to be heavily criticised for this response back at secondary school.

(Yes, you are right: if you ask me "How are you?" and I'm not concentrated enough, I do respond with "Good.")

So, is the "good" response really so bad as my secondary school teachers thought?

Ksenya · Accepted Answer

I really know, that americans don't usually and don't always speak gramatically correct, so they just say something or answer something to be understood by others.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

My feelings about this are similar to yours.

Personally, I think what has happened is this. 'Good' used to be seen as sub-standard. Uneducated people used it. Then educated people began to use it in a rather self-consciously ironic and amusing manner. Then people gradually began to forget the irony, and it started to move more into the mainstream.

Perhaps other people may have other views on this to offer you.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

"good" is a normal everyday response, however "fine, thank you" is more formal.

Answers to "How are you?"

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