Some of the common expressions of greeting are given below: Hi, Megha! How’re you? /
Hi, how do you do?
Hello, Ram! Nice to meet you again.
Hello Ram! Nice to meet you after so long.
How / Very nice to see you again!
Good morning / afternoon / evening.
Hi / hello, everybody.
Good morning, everybody.
How’re you getting on?
How’s life?
What’s the latest?
What’s up?
I hope you’re keeping well.
I hope all goes well with you.
Expressions like ‘Hi’ (pronounced ‘hai’) and ‘Hello’ are used in informal contexts with friends and equals. ‘Hello’ is used with colleagues and other acquaintances also.
The last two are very formal and can be used with people who are senior in age, position, etc.
The different use of expressions depends on the degree of intimacy with the person you are talking to.
Look at some expressions used to greet people and to take leave of them. Read each of them and repeat it. Note the use of contracted forms such as ‘I’m’ for ‘I am’ and ‘you’ll’ for ‘you will’.
Communication Activity: Greeting and taking leave - Groupwork Practise the following Pattern in Pairs till you are familiar with words / sentences in bold letters. Model 1: Informal: Casual talk between friends Madhavan : Hi, Ram! Ram : Hello, Madhava! Nice to meet you after so long! How are you? Madhavan : Fine, thank you. How’s life with you? Ram : Just the same. By the way, when is your college reopening?
Madhavan : After two weeks. Do you have any plans? Ram : Nothing in particular. What about going to film?
Madhavan : That’s fine. Let’s go for the first show. We’ll call Raju and Seenu also.
I must hurry now, or I’ll miss my bus. We’ll meet at the theatre. Bye. Ram : Bye, bye ! Have a nice day. Model 2: Informal: Two friends meeting on the way and leaving without delay A: Good morning, how are you? B: I’m very well, thank you. What about you? A: I’m fine. Shall we have a cup of coffee?
B: No, thanks. I am on my way to pick up my sister waiting at her school gate.
