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gloria_taipei · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 56

Hello,
These questions seem so basic but I still can't be sure.

"I'm fine." and "I'm good." Do they mean the same?

Does "I'm great." imply I'm doing better than good?

Also, how would you reply to someone that greets you with "What's up?"

Thanks in advance.

gloria_taipei · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 56

Can someone help me with these Q's?
They may sound stupid, but I'd really like to know the answers.
Thanks.

2006 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 610

If they are answers to a question like 'How are you?', I'm fine and I'm good have the same meaning.

Yes, "I'm great." means I'm better than good.

"What's up?" means What's been happening with you lately?, What have you been doing lately? and the person is particularly asking about anything new in your life.

You can say things like Nothing special or Nothing new or you can tell them about anything new or special in your life.

Eric Thompson · Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 11:49 pm Post subject:

Dear Gloria, I'd like to add to 2006's comments and say that there are some slight differences between 'I'm fine' and 'I'm good', relative to a 'How are you?' question. Generally, Americans would answer 'I'm fine'. It's more commonly used. 'I'm good' is a bit slangy, I feel. I think it's a shortcut for 'I feel good'. 'I'm good' is more commonly the answer to a question like this (from a waiter), 'More wine?'. That means, 'No, I have had enough wine already.' Does that help? Smile

Eric Thompson · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 5:21 am Post subject:

Dear Gloria, I just want to add something about 'I'm great'. If you say that, you are being very boastful, or 'big-headed'. It's not a nice thing to say in public. Saying 'I feel great' is a good answer to 'How are you?' OK? Smile

alper · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:

hi,

for these detailed explanaitions, thanks for 2006 and Eric Thompson...

I want to add a subjective aspect for "I'm goog" Question.
it seems that it interests in a person's character. I am a good person. so, to use "I'm fine" instead of "I'm good" is more beneficial. but this is my opinion. of course someone can say "I'm good" to "how are you" question.
_________________
Universal Peace...

gloria_taipei · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 56

Thank you, 2006, Eric Thompson and alper. That was very helpful.

I asked because it seems to me that more and more people use "I'm good." instead of "I'm fine." in answer to "How are you?" And I really had no idea why.

That was certainly something good to know, esp when I'm helping to compile some textbooks on English learning.

Umm, one more Q. Is it fine to answer "Not much" to the Q "What's up?"

2006 · Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 610

Saying "I'm great" in response to a question like "How are you?" is not boastful. It just means that things are much better than good.

Yes, people often say "I'm good."

"Not much." is a good answer to "What's up?"