Basic Greetings
Greetings
Starting a Conversation
Greetings are the first step in any conversation. They're simple words, but choosing the right one sets the tone for the entire interaction. English has different greetings for different situations. We can group them into two main types: formal and informal.
Formal greetings are for showing respect. You might use them with a teacher, a boss, or someone you've just met. They often depend on the time of day. Informal greetings are more relaxed and are perfect for friends, family, and casual settings.
Use formal greetings with teachers, managers, and strangers. Use informal greetings with friends and family!
Greetings for the Time of Day
The most common formal greetings change depending on the clock. It’s a simple way to be polite and aware of the time.
Good morning Use this from when you wake up until about noon (12:00 PM). It's a warm and respectful way to start the day. For example, you would say "Good morning" to your teacher when you arrive at school.
Next comes the middle of the day.
Good afternoon This is your go-to greeting from noon until around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. If you have a business meeting at 2:00 PM, you'd start by saying, "Good afternoon."
Finally, as the day ends, your greeting changes one last time.
Good evening Use this from about 6:00 PM onwards. When you arrive at a restaurant for dinner, you can greet the host with "Good evening."
Casual Hellos
When you're with people you know well, or in a very relaxed situation, you can use informal greetings. These don't depend on the time of day.
Hello
interjection
A standard and versatile greeting that can be used in almost any situation, whether formal or informal. It's always a safe choice if you're unsure.
"Hi" is a friendly and common alternative to "Hello." It's slightly more casual. You can say "Hi" to a classmate, a coworker you know well, or a friend.
"Hey" is the most casual of the three. It's best used with close friends and family. It can sound a little too informal if you say it to a stranger or someone in a position of authority.
| Greeting | Formality | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Formal | Morning (until 12 PM) |
| Good afternoon | Formal | Afternoon (12 PM - 6 PM) |
| Good evening | Formal | Evening (after 6 PM) |
| Hello | Neutral | Any time, most situations |
| Hi | Informal | Any time, with friends/peers |
| Hey | Very Informal | Any time, with close friends |
Practicing these greetings out loud will help you feel more comfortable using them. Try to notice how people greet you in different situations and match their level of formality.
Ready to check your understanding? Let's see how well you know which greeting to use.
You are meeting a new client for a business lunch at 1 p.m. Which is the most appropriate greeting?
The main difference between formal and informal greetings is that formal greetings often depend on the ________.
Great job. Knowing how to greet people is the perfect way to start building your confidence in English.