47

How to appropriately respond to someone saying "I hope you are well./?"

There are certain situations in writing where this would obviously not be soliciting a response (requiring a full stop) but other situations where this would be a declarative question (with the associated raised tone, indicated by the question mark); the latter is clearly what I am asking about.

Replies I've thought of:

  • I am very well, thanks. How are you?
  • I am very well, thanks, and hope you are as well.
  • I am very well, thanks. I hope it is the same with you too.
  • (Ignore it completely, perhaps in spite of the tone of voice.)

I guess it depends on the relationship with the person, but I would like to answer in all politeness in everyday emails with colleagues/customers.

Edwin Ashworth
  • 83,272
Athanatos
  • 571
  • 1
    Just say thank you. Even if you are not well, a wish that you are well is worthy of being thanked, and there's no need to break out the medical report. – Oldcat Mar 21 '14 at 19:15
  • This question appears to be off-topic because it is about etiquette. – Tim Lymington Mar 21 '14 at 21:20
  • It's a phatic expression. It is customary to simply reply that you are fine, and reciprocate the interest in the askee's well-being – Carly May 08 '19 at 17:39
  • Thank you I am doing good, I hope you're well. Looks good to me – Mustkeem K Aug 04 '21 at 17:49

1 Answers1

37

This is very subjective to what message you want to send across.

In a formal setting, you could say "I am very well, thank you." If you'd like to inquire about the other person, you could follow that with "How are you?" or "I hope you are well too."

In an informal setting, you could simply say "I am." There is no rule to this. It completely depends on you.

Novelcause
  • 571