Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Monika Gajdul]

What should be the answer to the following question: "How do you do?" - "Very well, thank you" or "How do you do?"
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Mona

[nostril5]

First, when we say : "How do you do? / How are you?".... we are really saying "Hi!".

So your answer can be: "How do you do? / How are you?"
or
"Fine thanks. / I'm very well. /...

Native speakers really do not have a rule about the 'best' answer, but, as a learner of English, we might be 'impressed' if you answered "How do you do?". It shows an understanding of the real meaning of this question.

I hope that helps?

Mike
http://www.ielts2u.bravehost.com