Lesson 2. How to say hello & goodbye ?

When we first meet someone whether it is a person we know or someone we are meeting for the first time, we will normally use a simple sentence as a way of greeting them.

GREETING A greeting is a friendly way of opening a conversation, or as a way of letting the other person know, that we have seen them.

Saying hello! Hi! Hello! Hi there! Hello there! Hey, how are you doing? Howdy friend. (USA) Whats up? Hows it going? Wow, its good to see you!

We sometimes use a double greeting… Hi there, hey how are you doing? Hello, how have you been? Its good to see you, hows life been treating you?

If you are meeting someone for the first time you can say … Good to meet you! Its nice to meet you! Im pleased to meet you! It is a pleasure to meet you! These sentences are often used after the other person has been introduced to you.

If you are meeting someone you have not seen or heard for a long time then you can show real surprise and shock Oh my God! Its you! Aahh, where have you been? My goodness, long time no speak! Wow, its so good to see you again! Is it really you? When did we last meet? Wow, as I live and breathe, its my best friend from school!?

If you are in a hurry there may only be a short time in which to make you greeting. - Hi, sorry I cant stop! - Oh hi there, look Im a bit pushed for time… here is my phone number… give me a call sometime! - Hello there! Look Im on my way to work… maybe catch up with you again soon. - Hey, I would love to stop and chat… but I really have to dash. This type of greeting is common these days because we all in such a big hurry to get some place… fast!

We sometimes use the word hello as a way of showing surprise or as way of expressing a sudden interest in smth. Hello, whats going on here? Hello, I didnt know he had a girlfriend! Hello, whats going on over there? Hello, smth. is wrong here… he took my money! In UK, people will often greet in each other by talking about the weather.

Hello, isnt a lovely day? Hello, what about this terrible weather? Hello, did you hear the storm last night?

In many countries people will ask about the family. Hello, hows the family? Hello, hows your wife doing? Hello how are the kids?

The word hello can also be used informally as a way of expressing sarcasm or annoyance. Hello, did you understand what I said? Hello, was that too difficult for you to read? Hello, did you see me waving at you? Hello, do you not recognize me? Hello, what time do you call this? You are late!

Saying Goodbye! Bye! Bye for now! Bye – bye! See ya! So long! Ciao! Later! Cheerio! See you! See you around! Farwell! Ta – ra! See you againg! Ta – ta for now! Catch you later! Goodbye!

Ta – ta! This expressions is mostly used in certain parts of the UK. It is a friendly fun way to say goodbye!