“Conversation is food for the soul.” -Proverb

Conversation is an art and can be difficult in any language. When learning English, it can be even more difficult if you do not have the right vocabulary words to ask the right questions! The next time you have a conversation in English, try using some of these questions and phrases. They will help you to have a casual conversation in English, which will allow you to get to know someone a little better.

Casual English for Conversation

Use these questions to begin a conversation with someone that you know.

What’s new? OR What have you been up to lately/recently?

Use these questions to ask what is new in a person’s life.

• What’s new?
• Not much, what’s new with you?
• OR
• What have you been up to lately?
• Just working and life. What about you?

What’s new in your world?

This is another question to ask about a person’s life and what is new.

• What’s new in your world?
• Not much, to be honest. Just working and studying. How about you?
• OR
• What’s new in your world?
• A lot of work lately! And we are getting ready to go on vacation. And you?

How have you been?

This general question is to ask how a person has been since you last saw him or her.

• How have you been?
• Good! And you?
• OR
• How have you been?
• I’ve been good! What about you?

How are things?

This casual conversation question is just to ask, in general, how the person’s life is going.

• How are things?
• Fantastic. I’ve just started a new job. You?
• OR
• How are things?
• Things are great. A little busy lately but good. What about you? How are things?

It’s been forever!

When you have not seen a person in a long time, this is a great phrase to use. Usually it is followed by a question about how the person has been doing.

 

• It’s been forever! How are you?
• OR
• It’s been forever! How have you been?

 

How’s _____ treating you?

When you want to ask about the person’s job, project, or relationship, use this question.

 

• How’s life treating you?
• How’s the new job treating you?
• How’s married life treating you?
• How’s life in San Diego treating you?

 

What’s up with _____?

This question is a good way to ask about the status of something in the person’s life. Usually you knew something about this topic but have not had an update recently.

• What’s up with that job promotion? Did you get it?
• What’s up with your neighbor? Did he move?
• What’s up with your sister? Is she still dating that guy?