When people use the expression "HOW DO YOU DO?" instead of "nice to meet you", "pleased to meet you", do BOTH people who meet for the first time use the INTERROGATIVE intonation while they say the words, as dictionaries and grammars suggest?
2006-12-18 03:49:37 · 7 answers · asked by gardengate 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Remember that I refer ONLY to the INTONATION and whether the spelling with (?) is actually correct.
2006-12-18 03:57:07 · update #1
Yes. And a reply is not expected. Especially not one that goes into minute details of your last migraine. Should one feel compelled to reply then it must be positive, a brief 'fine thanks, and you?' is more than enough.
2006-12-18 03:59:15 · answer #1 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a formal way of asking 'how are you?' without needing an answer, if that makes sense... Its the daft English way we get out of an awkward or unpleasant event or situation, In that we don't want to pry into how the other person is doing, but wish to seem interested, to the point of actually being interested....
Hi, how are you doing ? is informal, and is asking a question
Hello, how do you do ? is formal, and requires no answer other than a forced smile.
2006-12-18 12:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by DAVID C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is formal and sounds nicer. Usually not followed by an answer as it is not really a question.
2006-12-18 12:00:58 · answer #3 · answered by DolphinLami 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a question, but it isn't interrogative, just formal
2006-12-18 11:54:21 · answer #4 · answered by dossmanuk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The appropriate answer "The way I always do, unless I don't, and you?"
"Oh Charles, still being cheeky, you naughty lad!"
2006-12-18 11:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it isn't actually a question.
2006-12-18 11:52:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not bad thanks
2006-12-18 11:55:44 · answer #7 · answered by The Tinker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋