 Re: How do you do
Hi Zanzy,
I would not worry too much about using it - the British are quite formal at times, but it's more to do with an old way of life. Every country has social customs (like the Spanish don't understand the concept of queueing) and often it you can only learn through experience.
'How do you do' IS used in BrE, but it's a fashion that's dying out. I would still use it with those I considered my 'superiors' or people I wanted to form a good 'impression' of me, but only on the first meeting. Often it's like in Spanish where I use 'usted' only to be told that I'm too formal, and to use 'tu' instead - this has come through experience. Generally, I would use 'How are you?' or 'How are you doing?' with people I knew or those who were of the same age or younger.
It all depends on why you're learning English and where you intend to use it - always there to help with this.
Hopefully I've not confused this issue too much!
Dippit |