How do you do
phrase
A polite greeting used when you first meet someone.
Hello, Mr. Smith. How do you do?
Often appears as...
- how do you do
- mr./mrs./ms....?
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
A way to ask about someone's health or general well-being.
How do you do after your surgery?
Often appears as...
- how do you do after...
- how do you do since...
phrase
A formal expression used to ask about someone's profession or occupation.
How do you do as a software developer?
Often appears as...
- how do you do as a/an...
- how do you do in your role as...
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
A polite greeting used when you first meet someone.
Hello, Mr. Smith. How do you do?
Often appears as...
- how do you do
- mr./mrs./ms....?
Usage tips
Formal
phrase
A way to ask about someone's health or general well-being.
How do you do after your surgery?
Often appears as...
- how do you do after...
- how do you do since...
phrase
A formal expression used to ask about someone's profession or occupation.
How do you do as a software developer?
Often appears as...
- how do you do as a/an...
- how do you do in your role as...
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3First Meetings
Use 'how do you do' when you are introduced to someone for the first time as a polite formality.
Pleased to meet you, Ms. Johnson. How do you do?
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Question
'How do you do' isn't a question expecting a detailed response, but a polite remark expecting a similar reply.
'How do you do?' 'How do you do!'
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Occasions
This phrase is more common in formal or traditional contexts than in casual conversation.
At the embassy reception, they exchanged a 'How do you do?'
Pro Tip 1/3First Meetings
Use 'how do you do' when you are introduced to someone for the first time as a polite formality.
Pleased to meet you, Ms. Johnson. How do you do?
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Question
'How do you do' isn't a question expecting a detailed response, but a polite remark expecting a similar reply.
'How do you do?' 'How do you do!'
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Occasions
This phrase is more common in formal or traditional contexts than in casual conversation.
At the embassy reception, they exchanged a 'How do you do?'
Pro Tip 1/3First Meetings
Use 'how do you do' when you are introduced to someone for the first time as a polite formality.
Pleased to meet you, Ms. Johnson. How do you do?
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Question
'How do you do' isn't a question expecting a detailed response, but a polite remark expecting a similar reply.
'How do you do?' 'How do you do!'
Pro Tip 3/3Formal Occasions
This phrase is more common in formal or traditional contexts than in casual conversation.
At the embassy reception, they exchanged a 'How do you do?'
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