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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Response to 'How are you?' in the UK

Hi,

I just arrived in the UK. I just have a few questions. If you could, please assist me. Cheers.

1. In the question 'How are you?', do British people normally respond with "I'm great" like in the US?
2. If not, what's the equivalent of "I'm great" in the UK?
3. Can I say the following as an equivalent in the UK?

I'm very well.
I'm brilliant.
I'm excellent.
I'm fantastic.

4. Which of the preceding examples is common in the UK?
5. Is 'I'm fine' the equivalent of 'I'm good' in the UK?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

I don't know what the common response is in the UK, but I would think that even if a British person had just won the Nobel Prize he would be unlikely to use any of your responses. I've always thought modesty and understatement were typical British traits. " You might have met some unusually enthusiastic Americans.

— Khoff

  • I don't know what the common response is in the UK, but I would think that even if a British person had just won the Nobel Prize he would be unlikely to use any of your responses.
  • I've always thought modesty and understatement were typical British traits.
  • " You might have met some unusually enthusiastic Americans.
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5 Answers
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I don't know what the common response is in the UK, but I would think that even if a British person had just won the Nobel Prize he would be unlikely to use any of your responses. I've always thought modesty and understatement were typical British traits. For that matter, I don't know very many Americans who normally respond "I'm great." You might have met some unusually enthusiastic Americans.
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AnonymousHi,

I just arrived in the UK. I just have a few questions. If you could, please assist me. Cheers.

1. In the question 'How are you?', do British people normally respond with "I'm great" like in the US?
2. If not, what's the equivalent of "I'm great" in the UK?
3. Can I say the following as an equivalent in the UK?

I'm very well.
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Thank you, khoff and BillJ.

Hi Mr Wordy,

I see you're the only one online I know who speaks British English at the moment. Could you also share your thoughts on this, please? Thanks.

In terms of enthusiasm, am I correct in my understanding as follows?

I'm fine. (BrE) = I'm well. (BrE) = I'm good. (AmE)
I'm very well. (BrE) = I'm great. (AmE)
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Hi Mr Wordy,

Sorry to bother you, but would you mind sharing your thoughts on this as a British speaker. Thanks.
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"Not bad"

that's the reply you would usually get when you ask 'How are you?' to any British in UK

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