Question

Updated on 8 Dec 2022

2 Dec 2022

Russian

English (US)
English (UK)

Question about English (UK)

What is the difference between How are you keeping? and How are you getting on? and What are you up to? and How's tricks? and How's yourself? ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.

I'd be much grateful if you informed me on the difference between them and when they're best to be used. Thank you in advance:)

Answers

jbw51red

2 Dec 2022

Featured answer

English (UK)

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”
In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.

Highly-rated answerer

Share this question

Copy URL

jbw51red

2 Dec 2022

English (UK)

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”
In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.

Highly-rated answerer

dest1ny-

2 Dec 2022

Russian

@jbw51red thank you:)
As far as I'm concerned "how's yourself" is said after answering a person "how are you?", doesn't it?

"How's it getting on/How are you getting on/how are you keeping" = "Как поживаете?" (I've noticed in your profile that you know Russian a bit)

"What are you up to" = "Что ты задумал/Что собираешься делать?"

jbw51red

2 Dec 2022

English (UK)

How are you? Is probably a safer reply to “How are you?” unless you have established a relationship with the person, as it might seem that you are being cheeky.
“How are you keeping?” would be a reasonable “neutral “ question.

”What are you up to?” Is also OK.

However my suggestions about being careful with colloquial expressions until you are confident with the language, and you have established relationships with the people you are talking with, is still safer in my opinion.

Highly-rated answerer

dest1ny-

2 Dec 2022

Russian

@jbw51red I see. I'm very grateful for your time:)

[News] Hey you! The one learning a language!

Do you know how to improve your language skills❓ All you have to do is have your writing corrected by a native speaker!
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by native speakers for free ✍️✨.

Share this question

Copy URL

What is the difference between How are you keeping? and How are you getting on? and What are you up to? and How's tricks? and How's yourself? ?

What is the difference between How are you keeping? and How are you getting on? and What are you up to? and How's tricks? and How's yourself? ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”
In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.

Very little difference. They are all colloquial version of “how are you?”
In general it is best to keep to simple expressions until you are very familiar with the language, as you may be misunderstood, and even sometimes unintentionally cause upset.