10 Questions
When meeting someone, it's customary to shake ______ with them.
hands
A slight ______ is acceptable among women in formal interactions.
bow
Another popular greeting is asking 'How are you?' or 'How was your ______?'
day
When greeting someone, smiling and making ______ contact demonstrates friendliness.
eye
The most common form of greeting is saying ______.
hello
Making a wave can be a suitable farewell ______.
gesture
When introducing someone formally, a ______ may be suggested.
handshake
Farewell gestures can include a nod, a wave, or a ______.
handshake
When saying goodbye, one might say 'See you ______.'
later
Common greetings can include 'Good ______' depending on the time of day.
morning
Study Notes
English Etiquette: Greetings
Greetings are essential elements of social interaction, helping to establish rapport between individuals. In the English-speaking world, there is a set of standardized methods of greeting and farewell accompanies by expressions of politeness and respect. These greetings play an important role in building relationships and conveying messages to others. Here, we will explore the various ways people can exchange pleasantries in the English language.
Common Greetings
The most common form of greeting is saying hello or good morning / afternoon / evening depending on the time of day. When meeting someone, it's customary to shake hands with them, while smiling and making eye contact demonstrates friendliness and interest in the conversation. For more formal interactions, a slight bow is acceptable among women, and a handshake may also be suggested when introducing someone. However, this has been changing due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Another popular greeting is asking how someone is doing ("How are you?") or how their day has been ("How was your day?"). This is typically followed by a response such as "I am fine, thank you" or "My day has been okay, thanks for asking." These phrases show politeness and openness to conversation.
Farewells
When bidding farewell, one might say "See you later," "Take care," or "Have a nice day/evening/night." Farewell gestures vary; a nod, a wave, or a handshake can all be appropriate. Parting words like "It's been great" or "Good talking with you" leave a positive impression and often pave the way for future interactions.
Email Greetings
In the context of emails, opening with professional salutations such as "Dear [Name]," "To Whom It May Concern," or simply "[Your Name]" sets a tone of respect and attention to detail. It is advisable to close emails with a closing phrase like "Best regards" or "Sincerely yours," which leaves a polite ending to the correspondence.
In conclusion, mastering these nuances of English etiquette is crucial for effective communication and fostering positive relationships with others. By being aware of these customs and adhering to them, individuals can establish rapport, create lasting impressions, and build strong connections.
Test your knowledge of common greetings, farewells, and email salutations used in English-speaking countries. Explore the nuances of social interactions, establishing rapport, and conveying respect through appropriate language and gestures.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
