Upon encountering someone, your initial action is to greet them with a “hello” or other form of salutation.

Engage in conversation, starting with light small talk before delving into more serious discussions.

Finally, end the interaction with a goodbye or farewell.

Here are some examples of English greetings and farewells in conversation.

Greetings with Acquaintances

John: Good morning.

James: Good morning, John! How are you today?

John: I’m doing great, thanks. How about you?

James: I’m fantastic, thanks for asking! What’s on your agenda for today?

John: I have a meeting with the team in a little bit to go over some new project ideas. How about you?

James: I have a busy day ahead as well. I have a few client calls and then I’ll be working on putting together a proposal for a new project.

John: Sounds like you have a lot going on. Good luck with your day!

James: Thanks, John! You too!

Greetings with Good Friends

Anna: Hi James, how are you today?

James: Hey Anna, I’m doing well, thanks. How about you?

Anna: I’m good, just been busy with work. What have you been up to lately?

James: Same here, work has been hectic. But I did manage to take a trip to the beach last weekend, it was great.

Anna: That sounds amazing! I’ve been meaning to go to the beach for a while now.

James: Yeah, you should definitely make the time. The ocean is so relaxing and the view is breathtaking.

Anna: I’ll have to plan a trip soon. So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?

James: Not much, just going to run some errands and maybe hit the gym later. How about you?

Anna: I have a few meetings this afternoon, but I’m hoping to catch up on some reading later. I just started a new book and I’m really enjoying it.

James: That’s great. What book are you reading?

Anna: It’s called “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It’s all about mindfulness and living in the present moment.

James: Oh, I’ve heard good things about that book. Maybe I’ll check it out too.

Anna: Definitely. It’s a quick read and the lessons are really impactful. Alright, I gotta go. Talk to you later?

James: Sure thing, have a good day!

Greetings with Family

Mother: Good morning dear. Did you sleep well?

Son: Good morning. Yeah, I slept pretty well, thanks. How about you?

Mother: I slept okay, but I woke up early to get a head start on breakfast. So, what would you like to have this morning?

Son: I was thinking about having cereal. That sounds good to me.

Mother: Sure thing. The cereal and sugar are already on the table and the milk is in the fridge. Help yourself.

Son: Thanks, Mom. Can I make you some coffee?

Mother: That would be lovely, thank you. I’ll have a cup with cream and sugar.

Son: No problem. (pours cereal and coffee) Here you go.

Mother: (sips coffee) Mmm, this is just what I needed. Thank you, dear.

Son: (munches on cereal) So, what do you have planned for today?

Mother: I have a busy day ahead. I have to run some errands, clean the house, and then I have a meeting at the community center this afternoon.

Son: That sounds like a lot. Let me know if you need help with anything.

Mother: I appreciate that, thank you. And what about you? What do you have planned for today?

Son: I was thinking about going for a run and then maybe working on a project I’ve been putting off.

Mother: That sounds good. Stay active and productive. Have a great day!

Son: You too, Mom. Talk to you later.

Formal Greetings and Farewell

John: Hello James, it’s good to see you again. How have you been?

James: Hey John, I’ve been doing well. How about you?

John: I’ve been good too, just keeping busy with work. So, what have you been up to lately?

James: Not much, just working and trying to catch up on some reading. I just started a new book and it’s really good.

John: That’s great. What book are you reading?

James: It’s called “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It’s all about how to build a successful startup.

John: Oh, I’ve heard good things about that book. I might have to check it out myself.

James: Definitely. It’s a quick read and there are a lot of useful insights. So, what do you have planned for the day?

John: I have a meeting in a bit, but after that I’m free. I was thinking about going for a walk in the park to enjoy the weather.

James: That sounds like a great idea. The weather is perfect for a walk in the park.

John: Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Alright, I gotta go. Talk to you later?

James: Sure thing, have a good day!

Informal Greetings and Farewells

John: Hi James, how’s your day going?

James: It’s going well, thanks for asking. How about yours?

John: It’s going pretty well, just a typical day at work. So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?

James: After I leave the library, I’m planning to go for a walk in the park. It’s such a beautiful day outside.

John: That sounds like a great idea. I was thinking about doing the same thing. Maybe we can walk together?

James: That would be great! I’d love the company.

John: Fantastic! I’ll meet you at the park entrance in an hour.

James: Sounds good. I’ll see you there.

John: Okay, see you later. Have a good time at the library.

James: Thanks, you too!

Informal Greetings and Farewells

HAN: Hi, Robert! How’s it going?

ROBERT: Fine, thanks and you?

HAN: Just fine. Where are you off to?

ROBERT: To the library. I’ve got a history exam next week and need to start studying. Ugh.

HAN: Oh, no. Well, I’ll see you later then. Good luck!

ROBERT: Thanks. See you later.

HAN: Wait, before you go, do you need help studying for the exam?

ROBERT: Actually, I do. I’ve been struggling with the material and could use a study partner.

HAN: I’d love to help. What are you having trouble with specifically?

ROBERT: The American Revolution. I just can’t seem to retain the information.

HAN: I’m good with that period in history. Let’s start by reviewing the causes of the revolution and key players.

ROBERT: That sounds great. Thank you so much, Han!

HAN: No problem. Let’s make sure we both ace that exam!