So you’re stuck. Someone says what’s up or how are you, and your brain races.
You want to say something better than fine or not much, but nothing clever comes to mind. You type into search, hoping for ideas. And boom — you’ve landed here.
Good news: this is the last list you’ll need.
Whether you’re at work, chatting with friends, or talking to someone new, there’s a perfect way to respond to what’s up.
But here’s the thing — not every response fits every situation. What you say to your boss won’t match what you’d say to your best friend.
This guide breaks it all down for you. From formal settings to fun conversations, from clever idioms to polished professional replies — we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into over 120 ways to level up your replies to how are you and what’s up.
Formal Ways to Say How to Respond to What’s Up
When you’re in a formal setting — like speaking with someone you respect, a client, or a stranger — keep your response respectful and polite.
Here are over 30 formal ways to reply with grace:
- I’m doing well, thank you
- I appreciate you asking
- I’m quite fine, and yourself
- Things are going smoothly
- Everything’s in order
- I’m well, how are you
- Life has been kind lately
- I’m in good health, thanks
- I’ve been keeping busy
- All is well on my end
- I can’t complain
- It’s been a productive week
- Thank you for asking, I’m doing fine
- All is moving along nicely
- Things have been good lately
- I’m managing things quite well
- No complaints here
- I’m grateful and doing well
- I’m keeping steady
- Things are on track
- I’ve been staying focused
- I’m doing fine, hope you are too
- I’m maintaining a good balance
- Just staying the course
- I’m feeling balanced and calm
- My schedule is steady
- I’ve had a peaceful few days
- Work has kept me occupied
- I’m navigating everything smoothly
- I’m content at the moment
- Things are going according to plan
- I’m holding up quite well
- All is stable, thank you
Informal Ways to Say How to Respond to What’s Up
Casual chats with friends, family, or coworkers deserve something more relaxed. Here are 30+ ways to keep it light and real:
- Not much, just chillin’
- All good here
- Same old, same old
- Just taking it easy
- You know, the usual
- Keeping it cool
- Living the dream
- Hanging in there
- Just getting through the day
- Nothing wild, you
- Just vibin’
- Trying to stay out of trouble
- Can’t complain, life’s alright
- Running on caffeine
- Busy but blessed
- Just going with the flow
- Making the most of it
- Trying to keep up
- Doing my thing
- Hanging out and relaxing
- Just kicking back
- All’s quiet on my end
- Been better, been worse
- Doing okay, thanks
- Rolling with the punches
- Enjoying the little things
- Just handling what comes
- Still alive and kicking
- Just here, doing my best
- Taking life as it comes
- Surviving the chaos
- Just in cruise mode
- Pretty mellow today
Idiomatic Ways to Say How to Respond to What’s Up
Idioms are a fun and creative way to express how you’re doing. They add personality and make you sound more natural.
Here are 30+ idiomatic expressions to try out:
- Over the moon
- Feeling under the weather
- On cloud nine
- Just another day in paradise
- Keeping my head above water
- Full steam ahead
- Riding the wave
- Walking on sunshine
- Not exactly a walk in the park
- Flying under the radar
- In the groove
- Treading water
- Just coasting along
- Battling the storm
- Living on the edge
- Back in the saddle
- Burning the candle at both ends
- Chasing my tail
- In high spirits
- Riding the rollercoaster
- Just hitting my stride
- Keeping it together
- Living out of a suitcase
- Swimming with the current
- Running on empty
- Feeling like a million bucks
- Weathering the storm
- Keeping the wheels turning
- Holding down the fort
- On the grind
- In the thick of it
- Marching to my own beat
- Drowning in deadlines
Professional Ways to Say How to Respond to What’s Up
When you’re at work, professionalism is key. Whether you’re replying to a coworker or your manager, these phrases help you sound polished and friendly.
Here are 30+ work-appropriate replies:
- I’m making good progress on my tasks
- It’s been a productive day so far
- Things are moving along as planned
- Everything is running smoothly
- I’m staying focused on the project
- It’s been a busy but fulfilling week
- Just working through today’s priorities
- I’ve been in meetings most of the day
- Things are coming together nicely
- Staying on top of deadlines
- It’s been steady and manageable
- I’m collaborating with the team right now
- We’re making good headway
- I’m finalizing some key deliverables
- It’s been a high-energy week
- Catching up on a few things
- The workload is balanced
- Juggling a few projects
- Staying proactive with tasks
- Pushing through some challenges
- Currently reviewing reports
- Preparing for upcoming meetings
- Wrapping up this week’s goals
- Engaged in strategic planning
- On track with my milestones
- Getting a lot done today
- Wrapping things up before the weekend
- Working through a tight schedule
- Staying aligned with the team
- Keeping up with the workflow
- Managing everything effectively
- Delivering results on time
- Focused on key outcomes
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond to what’s up isn’t just about having the right words — it’s about matching your tone to the moment.
Use formal replies in professional or respectful settings. Go casual with friends.
Toss in idioms when you want to sound fun or clever. Keep it professional at work.
With over 120 phrases under your belt, you’ll never be stuck for words again.
Practice them. Try them out in real conversations. Pick your favorites and make them yours. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel.
Say goodbye to the boring I’m fine. You’ve got options now.
