Grammar 5 min read

Other Ways to Write Hope you are Well in Your Email

Main Takeaways:

  • Saying hope you are well isn’t incorrect, but there are better options available.
  • Try being upfront, and get right to the meat of your message.
  • Start or end with a personalized question or comment.
  • Offer a compliment to help warm up your audience.
  • Refer to current events to find common ground and establish rapport.

Who hasn’t received an email or letter signed with the ubiquitous, Hope you’re well? Modern communication is full of similar phrases, but just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re high quality.

The problem with “hope you are well” is that it doesn’t mean much. Words should have an impact. Why stick with small talk when you can use your energy and space to convey more significant ideas?

Here are some alternatives to “I hope you’re doing well” and comparable phrases to help you stand out from the crowd.

Is it Correct to Say “Hope you are Doing Well?”

Hope all is well,” “I hope you’re doing well,” and I hope this finds youwell.” All of these phrases are technically correct, but are they the best you can do? While hope you’re well isn’t technically a grammatical error, some experts construe it as being a bit lazy. In this case, it’s vital to focus not on following the grammar rules but, instead, finding more meaning in your writing.
I hope you're doing well
Using “I hope you’re doing well” or plain “hope you are well” in your emails may not be grammatically incorrect. However, this overly used phrase could make you sound unprofessional and lazy in your emails.

What can I say Instead of “Hope You Are Well?”

If you’re opening an email with “hope you are well” or using it in your subject line, it’s time to rethink your approach. Try cutting to the chase. Be succinct. Have an offer your audience might be interested in? Lead with that. Need to ask a favor? Explain what you need and how it could benefit both parties.

I’ve got an opening in my schedule — are you available to meet?
Found an article about timeshares in that Punta Cana I think you’ll love.
I’m in a jam—can you trade shifts?

Busy people don’t want to wade through platitudes to get to the point. Help them so they can help you.

Get Personal

I hope you’re doing well” may be well-intentioned, but it’s impersonal. That’s likely why it’s popular; you can say it to almost anybody, whether you know anything about their lives or not. If possible, get into specifics to add warmth and authenticity to your correspondence.

Hope the twins are loving summer camp.
Let’s meet for a coffee, so that I can hear all about your honeymoon!

“Personal” doesn’t always have to mean discussing someone’s family or private life, either.

Deenah tells me you just closed the Peterson deal—can’t wait to hear the details.
I just read about your merger! It sounds like exciting things are in store for XYC Capital.

The key here is to straddle the line between approachable and overly familiar carefully. Avoid referencing topics that might make the recipient uncomfortable (e.g., repeating gossip). Instead, lay the groundwork that you can gradually use to build a rapport.

Start with a Compliment

Studies show that compliments can increase everything from positivity in relationships to professional performance. Why? Because compliments make you happy. That can be a powerful emotion to offer someone, even if it’s just in an email. Swap out hope you have been well with something that makes the recipient feel good.

I read your recent blog, and the part about your childhood dog really moved me.
I saw you speak at the symposium. You rocked that stage!
Your podcast is the first thing I listen to every morning.

Never lie. Many people can spot insincerity from a mile away. Be true to yourself, because the last thing you want to do is inspire distrust.

What you can say instead of "I hope you're doing well." First, get straight to the point. Second, get personal. Third, give a compliment. Fourth, go with some small talk. For instance, you may start with "hope everyone is safe and healthy." Fifth, remind the person where you met. For example, start with "Great meeting you at the conference last week."
While hope you are well is not grammatically incorrect, many think it’s lazy. Avoid giving such bad impression in your correspondence by following the tips above.

Go With Something Topical

Prove you’re not a bot by kicking off your communications with something tied to current events. Nothing controversial—even the weather will work if you phrase your comment or question correctly.

Have you had to dig out your car as many times as I have this week? This blizzard is nuts!
Did you catch the game last night? Wentz was on fire!

This approach can be especially useful when hope you’re well! is particularly tone-deaf. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, saying you hope your audience is well could come across as insensitive. Instead, if you must mention a touchy subject, ask how they’re doing rather than assuming.

How are you managing with the kids home from school?

When in doubt, put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. Are you intrigued by what you’re reading, or are you tempted to dismiss it as more of the same? Standing out (for the right reasons) can be the difference between getting your message out and losing your reader’s attention.

Quick “Hope you are Well” Mastery Quiz

Hope you are Well Question #1

"Hope you are well" is grammatically incorrect.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Although "hope you are well "is grammatically correct, there are better options.

Hope all is Well Question #2

Instead of opening an email with "hope you are well," consider _______.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Lead with the reason for writing the email in the first place.

Hope You're Doing Well Question #3

"I hope you're doing well” may seem a bit impersonal.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. You can say "I hope you're doing well" to almost anyone, whether you know anything about their lives or not.

I Hope You're Well Question #4

Which of these is NOT an impersonal way to start a conversation?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. You can use any of these options instead of "I hope you're well."

Read More: Best Regards And Alternatives: The Best Ways To End An Email

Found this article interesting?

Let Pam Weber know how much you appreciate this article by clicking the heart icon and by sharing this article on social media.


Pam Weber

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, Writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

Comments (2)
Least Recent least recent
You
  1. Danny Bloomfield December 29 at 7:19 am GMT

    Dude, this was so helpful. Came across your post searching for something COMPLETELY unrelated, but this hit home. I’m so sick of every one of my emails starting this way. I’m in sales, so getting to the point often feels rude. (Hi Mary, do you have my purchase order yet?) These are really helpful ideas. Thanks for the help practicing fundamentals!

    • Krista Grace Morris December 29 at 11:11 am GMT

      Hey, Danny! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a gracious comment. I’m touched! I agree, balancing a professional yet sincerely approachable tone is difficult in written communication. Now that more and more of our work, school and just our lives in general are shifting online, these small phrases are more important than ever. They can make a big difference in adding that personal or human touch we’re all missing right now. Thank you again for your comment! Cheers to your future emails.

6
share Scroll to top

Link Copied Successfully

Sign in

Sign in to access your personalized homepage, follow authors and topics you love, and clap for stories that matter to you.

Sign in with Google Sign in with Facebook

By using our site you agree to our privacy policy.