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Toward vs. Towards: An Easy Guide on When to use Which

toward vs. towards: both are preposition with the same meaning.

Main Toward vs. Towards Takeaways:

  • When toward and towards are prepositions, they have the same meaning. They are interchangeable.
  • The only difference between toward and towards as prepositions is regional.
  • Toward is preferred in the U.S. and Canada, while Australia and the United Kingdom typically use towards.
  • Both toward and towards mean “in the direction of.” They can also indicate relation or purpose.
  • However, when an adjective, only toward (no ‘S’) is correct. This usage is rare.
(Preposition) We must continue to work toward our goals despite any challenges.
(Preposition)We must continue to work towards our goals despite any challenges.
(Adjective) What is the status on the project toward?
(Adjective)What is the status on the project towards?

Should you walk toward the museum or towards it? Have your feelings changed toward or towards your ex? As prepositions, both words are acceptable. The only difference between them is where each is commonly used.

toward vs. towards: both are preposition with the same meaning.
Toward and towards are prepositions with the same meaning. Toward is preferred in the U.S. and Canada, while Australia and the United Kingdom typically use towards.

What is the Difference Between Toward and Towards?

As a preposition, toward and towards are both correct. The only real difference between the two words is the letter ‘S’ at the end. Traditionally, toward (no ‘S’) is more common in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, towards (with the ‘S’) is more common in Australia and the United Kingdom. Towards is also the preferred term for informal conversations in the U.S., especially in the south. Regardless of which spelling you choose, both words have the same meaning. However, when an adjective, only towardis correct.

What Does Toward Mean?

As a preposition, toward is a directional word. As a result, towardmeans in the direction of. Figuratively, it can mean in relation to or for the purpose of. Rarely, toward can be an adjective instead. In this case, toward references something that is going on or in progress. Toward and towards are interchangeable as prepositions.However, when toward is an adjective, don’t add an ‘s’ at the end of the word.

Is something differenttoward?
Towarddefinition:(preposition) in the direction of; in relation to; for the purpose of

Towardsdefinition:(preposition) in the direction of; in relation to; for the purpose of

Is There Such a Word as Towards?

Yes, towards is a real word and it can be used interchangeably with toward. Towardsandtoward function as prepositions in sentences. They both refer to the direction of someone or something. Both terms could also mean close in location or time.

The only difference between towards and toward is that towards is commonly used in British English. Meanwhile, toward is favored in American English. Other than that, these two words hold the same meaning and function.

The flowers lean towards the direction of the sun.
My family and I are going on a vacation towards the end of the month.
The car is heading towards town.
My uncle darted towards the house when it started raining.
She nodded her head towards the library.

Is Towards Plural?

Towards (with an ‘S’) is not plural. Typically, nouns can be singular or plural. Since towards is usually a preposition (and rarely, an adjective), it can’t be plural. Therefore, the difference between toward vs. towards is not singular vs. plural. In fact, it’s not grammatical at all. Instead, the difference is regional. For example, toward without an ‘S’ is more North American but towards with an ‘S’ is more British. Both are correct and interchangeable.

How Do You Use Towards in a Sentence?

Here are examples of how to use towards in a sentence:

(Direction)I headedtowardsthe store that had avocados on sale. (direction)
(Relation)My feelingstowardmy coworker weren’t the same after she confessed she stole my desert
(Relation)Monica felt differentlytowardsJerry after she learned of his past. (relation)
(Purpose) Jim’s money is goingtowardsa new motorcycle, much to his wife’s dismay.
(Direction)The snake slitheredtowardsthe hiker’s legs.
(Purpose)Penelope will continue workingtowardsa settlement agreement with her former employer.
Lana quickly grew bored during the presentation, as it wasgeared towardyounger kids.

Since towards is acting as a preposition in all of the above examples, you could easily use toward instead.

Use toward ortowards in a sentence when you need to express direction, a relationship, or purpose. Remember that you always need an object with these words because toward and towards are prepositions.

Remember, your sentence formula should always be toward(s) + object. An object is a noun or pronoun affected by a preposition or verb.

Two panels. First panel has the word toward together with the flags of the United States and Canada. Second panel contains the text towards together with the flags of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia.
“Toward” is commonly used in the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, British English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland prefer the term “towards.”

Can You End a Sentence with Toward?

When toward is acting as a preposition, it’s best to avoid ending a sentence with toward. This is because, traditionally, it’s bad grammatical form to end a sentence on a preposition. That said, if you are writing a formal document, essay, or paper, avoid ending a sentence on a preposition. However, if you are speaking informally or writing an informal note, email, or text, it’s okay to break this “rule.” Conversely, when toward is acting as an adjective, it can (and usually does) come at the end of a sentence.

Toward and towards can be used interchangeably as prepositions. But as an adjective, only toward (no ‘S’) is correct.

What Does Geared Towards Mean?

When someone uses the phrase “geared towards,” they mean something is intended for a particular purpose or audience. You can also say “geared toward.”

Sometimes English speakers say “geared to” instead of “geared toward,” but that’s usually not grammatically correct.
Evan is looking for a home loan seminargeared towardsfirst-time buyers.
The housing assistance fund was geared toward single parents or unemployed adults.
R-rated films are geared towards mature audiences.
I understand you’re searching for a new job geared toward your unique skill set.

What are Some Synonyms for Toward?

Synonyms for toward include “approaching,” “proceeding,” “via,” “facing,” and “against.” There are also some phrases you can replace toward with, including:

  • in the direction of
  • in the vicinity
  • not quite
  • on the road to
  • in relation to
  • close to
  • shortly before

These phrases aren’t always exact substitutes for toward or towards. It depends on how you use the preposition in your sentence.

How Do You Say Toward?

You can pronounce toward like tord, tawrd, or tuh-word. Some people also say tword.

There is not an ‘r’ sound in the first part of toward, but some people mispronounce the word as tor-word. You may also hear it pronounced like tow-word with a long ‘o,’ but this is incorrect.

Think of the word toured to help yourself remember how to say toward. Though spelled differently, both words have similar pronunciations.

Remember: either version is acceptable when you’re using the word as a preposition. Stick with toward when you need an adjective.

Quick Toward vs. Towards Grammar Quiz

Toward vs. Towards Question #1

What part of speech is "toward"?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. “Toward” is a preposition that means "in the direction of." It can also indicate relation or purpose.

Toward or Towards Question #2

What part of speech is "toward"?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. “Toward” is the preferred form in the U.S.

Toward or Towards Question #3

Which of these sentences is correct?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. When using toward as an adjective, don't add an “s” at the end of the word.

Toward or Towards Question #4

Which of these is NOT a synonym for toward?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. "Away from" is the opposite of "toward."

Read More: Grey Or Gray: One Color, Two Spellings

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Possum vs. Opossum: Definitely Different Animals

A possum and opossum staring at each other. Text reads possum vs. opossum.

Main Possum vs. Opossum Takeaways:

  • Possums and Opossums are different animals, even though many people use these words interchangeably.
  • Opossums are native to the Americas.
  • What most in North America call a possum is actually called an Opossum. People in this region do not usually pronounce the “O”.
  • Possums are native to Australia.
  • When English explorers first met the Australian creature, they thought it looked like the North American Opossum. As a result, they called it a possum and recorded the name like North Americans would pronounce it (without the “O“).
  • Playing possum is an idiom for playing dead.

Surprisingly, these two similar names don’t refer to the same animal. Instead, they represent two distinct creatures from opposite sides of the planet. In this article, we’ll clear up any possum vs. opossum confusion. And, tell you why these two very different animals (almost) share a name.

Possum vs. Opossum: is it the Same Animal?

Possums and Opossums are actually completely different animals. They are both marsupials and nocturnal, but belong to different orders. In fact, possums are from Australia and are more closely related to kangaroos. Conversely, opossums are from the Americas. The main reason many think that they are the same animal is because of how North Americans pronounce the official name Opossum. For example, they typically don’t pronounce the “O“. Similarly, when English explorers first encountered the Australian animal, they called it a possum because of it’s striking resemblance to the North American creature.

A possum and opossum staring at each other. Text reads possum vs. opossum.
Possum and opossum are both marsupials, but they are different animals. Possums are commonly found in Australia, while opossums are from North America.

How Biology Classifies Opossums vs. Possums

Although both possums and opossums are marsupials, biology classifies them very differently. Interestingly, neither scientific name contains the word possum.

On one hand, the American opossum belongs to the order Didelphimorphia. This order includes more than 60 species. Additionally, most of these species live in Central and South America.

On the other hand, the possum belongs to the order Diprotodontia. This is the largest order of marsupials. In fact, it includes 10 families and 117 species. The order Diprotodontia also includes kangaroos and wallabies.

Is the O Silent in the Word Opossum?

The “O” is not technically silent in the word opossum. However, the majority of people usually don’t pronounce the “O.” The official name for this creature is opossum and you can absolutely say the “O.” If you do pronounce the “O,” be sure to use the article an. For formal writing, use the official name. However, in informal contexts, you can follow the colloquial convention and think of it as a silent letter (like the “H” in honest or “K” in knee). If you chose not to pronounce the “O,” go with the article a.

Why is Possum Spelled Opossum?

What most North Americans call a possum is actually called an opossum. Even though most North Americans don’t pronounce the “O,” possum is spelled opossum because it is the official name for this American omnivore. As a result, you should use the official name opossum in formal writing. On the other hand, it’s okay to leave the “O” off for informal speech and text. It’s worth noting that there is an entirely different animal native to Australia that is also called a possum (not an opossum).

Both Possum and Opossum only have one P, but two S‘s.

There’s a reason these two distinct animals living half a world apart have nearly similar names. The Australian possum received its name because English Naturalist Sir Joseph Banks thought looked a lot like the North American opossum.

Since possum is a variation of opossum, both words share a common origin that dates back to the early 17th century.

Several previous versions of the word(s) include apossoun, apasum, and opassom.

These spellings most likely came from English colonists at Jamestown. They attempted to record the Native American word for the creature, or anglicize the Spanish names.

The first known use of the word opossum occurred in 1610. Then, possum followed shortly after that in 1613.

Comparing the Facts: Possum vs. Opossum in Nature

Considering their separate classifications, there are numerous differences between these two species.

Here are just a few facts comparing the possum vs. opossum:

1. Possum vs. Opossum: Where do They Live?

Possums live in Australasia. This region includes Australia, New Zealand, China, and several Indonesian islands.

By comparison, opossums live in the Americas. They inhabit a vast region that ranges from Southern Canada to Northern Costa Rica.

2. Opossum vs. Possum: What do They Look Like?

The possum has a rounded body with thick fur that’s often golden or brown and a bushy, squirrel-like tail.

By comparison, the opossum‘s features are stark. They have pointed white faces, dark ears, and coarse fur. Their tail is hairless and appears similar to that of a rat.

Mugshots of an opossum and possum. Both animals are pictured holding placards. The opossum's placard contains the following: name, opossum; alias, the possum; order, didelphimorphia; location, North America. The possum's placard reads: name, possum; alias, Australian Possum aka possum from down unda; order, phalangeriformes; location, Australasia. Above the image, the text reads: Why this is confusing? When referring to the opossum, North Americans usually don't pronounce the 'o.'
North Americans usually pronounce opossum without the ‘o’ at the beginning, thus causing confusion.

3. Possums and Opossums: What do They eat?

Both possums and opossums are nocturnal, so they mostly eat a night.

Australasian Possums are tree-dwelling herbivores.

Conversely, American opossums are opportunistic omnivores (otherwise known as scavengers). They eat fallen fruits, insects, and even rattlesnakes.

Moreover, they often make nests in tree holes or the abandoned nests of other animals.

Many consider them a pest because they get into garbage cans looking for scraps. This dumpster-diving behavior can be loud and disturbing at night. Beyond from making noise during the wee hours, they might also leave a mess behind.

But is this bad rap actually true?

Are Opossums Good to Have Around?

People in the United States tend to consider opossums (commonly just called possums) pests. Because they are nocturnal scavengers, they’re accused of knocking over garbage cans looking for scraps. Additionally, many consider them diseased, or even rabid. They may hiss when threatened, which seems aggressive. However, the truth is that opossums can actually be beneficial to have around. First, they clean up spilled garbage. What’s more, they may eat snails, slugs, small rodents, and even rattlesnakes. Rabies rarely occurs in the species. In fact, this animal may actually help thwart illness by eating disease-carrying insects like ticks.

Opossums are quiet and typically gentle creatures. Although they’re rarely responsible for tipping over the trash, they may stop by to scavenge from garbage scattered by another nocturnal visitor.

While it is true that opossums hiss when approached, this is a defensive bluff rather than aggressive behavior. In fact, when truly threatened, an opossum will probably than play dead.

What It Means To Play Possum

Playing possum has become synonymous with playing dead. That’s because when an opossum is threatened, it will fall over onto its side and play dead.

It can stay that way for two minutes or two hours. This helps the animal trick predators into believing that it’s deceased, thus keeping it safe from danger.

In this situation, playing maybe a misnomer since the opossum enters an involuntary catatonic state when threatened. This defense mechanism probably evolved because predators prefer live prey.

In some Native American folklore, the opossum is occasionally seen as a braggart who plays dead out of embarrassment after making a fool of himself.

The phrase eventually became an idiom. It describes people using similar methods to avoid or escape danger.

Don’t let him fool you into thinking he’s asleep. He’s just playingpossumso you can’t ask him where he was all evening.

Opossum vs. Possum: They Might Converge

The English language is famous for shortening words. For instance, double-L spellings become single-L spellings. What’s more, extra vowels disappear.

When we look more closely at possum vs. opossum, the same could actually happen.

Except in formal writing, it’s common in the United States for people to use possum and opossum interchangeably. In fact, these days, you’re far more likely to hear someone here refer to our native backyard marsupial as a possum than an opossum.

Occasionally, this may be expressed with an apostrophe as a stand-in for the initial “O.”

Thomas kept blaming the ‘possumfor knocking over his trash can when actually it was the neighbor’s cat.

More often than not, however, it’s simply expressed as possum, no apostrophe. That’s led many to believe that eventually, opossum may become just another archaic word.

If you’ve ever seen a quirky-looking critter bumbling around your yard late at night, you’ve probably encountered a possum…or opossum? But which is it?

Test Your Possum vs. Opossum Expertise

Possum vs. Opossum Question #1

“Possums” and “opossums” refer to the same creatures.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Although possums and opossums are marsupials, they are from different orders.

Possum or Opossum Question #2

Which of these creatures does NOT belong in the order Diprotodontia?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. Opossum belongs to the order Didelphimorphia.

Opossum or Possum Question #3

Which of these is an opportunistic omnivore?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is OPOSSUM. Opossums are scavengers that eat spilled garbage, insects, and rattlesnakes

Opossum Question #4

The “O” in the word “opossum” is silent.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. The “O” in opossum is pronounced “uh,” so the word sounds like “uh·paa·sm.”

Possum Question #5

What does the phrase "to play possum" mean?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. When an opossum is threatened, it will fall over onto its side and play dead.

Read More: Cancelled Or Canceled: Which One Is Correct?

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First, Second, and Third Person: Points of View in Writing

A young girl saying I, we. A man saying you. A boy saying he, she, it, they. They represent the first, second, and third person points of view.

Main Takeaways:

  • First-person indicates the author is writing about his/her feelings and/or point of view.
  • First-person can be singular or plural and uses pronouns like I, me, and we.
  • The second person addresses the person being spoken to.
  • First-personPOV can be direct, using pronouns like you and your, or implied.
  • Third-person POV refers to outside entities like objects or people other than the author or the reader.

The concept of the first, second, and third person can be confusing. Your professor may request an essay in the third person, and you’re trying to figure out who else is in the room beside you and her. First-person—is that like Neil Armstrong being the first human to step on the moon?

Kidding aside, finding the right point of view that serves both your topic and your purpose doesn’t have to be stressful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all three perspectives and even offer up examples. Get ready—you’re about to become an expert!

A young girl saying I, we. A man saying you. A boy saying he, she, it, they. They represent the first, second, and third person points of view.
Writers use first, second, and third person in writing to describe points of view.

What are First, Second, and Third Person Points of View?

To begin with, a point of view refers to the perspective from which a piece of content is written. In writing, there are three types of points of view: the first, second, and third person. If you’re using the first person in your writing, it means that you’re the speaker. You narrate the story from your perspective. Now, if you’re using the second person POV, you are addressing your readers. Last but not least, the third-person perspective indicates that you are addressing the third party.

What is First Person?

Writing in first-person means you use pronouns that make it clear the text is about you. These may include “I,” “me,” and “my.”

Iwent to the store to buy milk.
Mydentist toldmeI had the pointiest incisors he’d ever seen.
Myheart went wild whenIsaw him come through the door.

First-person pronouns can also be plural and refer to several people. In that case, the speaker would be talking about the group as a plural first person. Plural first-person pronouns may include “we,” ‘us,” “our,” and “ourselves.”

Wehad tickets to the concert.
Even the rain couldn’t keepusfrom having a great day.
Ourdorm room is full of cheese crackers and dirty clothes.
It’s always nice when the kids go to bed early, andwehave the rest of the evening toourselves.

Sometimes, authors turn to first-person narration as a way to draw in the reader and make a connection. It’s easier to identify with the protagonist of a novel, for example, when you read the dialogue in their voice. Understanding the star character’s perspective is important.

Need a trick to keep things straight? Remember this: You like to put yourself first. Therefore, “you” is first person!

A cute illustration of René Descartes while thinking of his famous statement, "I think, therefore I am."
René Descartes’ famous statement, “I think, therefore I am,” can be understood in three ways: as the real self, as the self that is constituted by the act of thinking, and as the first-person point of view.

What is Second Person?

Second person addresses the person being spoken to, likely the reader. Though the second person can be used in fiction writing, it’s rare. It’s also uncommon to use the second person in scripts, as it’s considered breaking the fourth wall. You’ll most frequently see the second person used in direct communications, such as a letter or email. It’s also ideal for blogs, instructional guides, and other content that’s designed to compel the reader into action.

Second personpronouns can also be singular or plural and may include “you,” “your,” “yours,” “yourself,” and “yourselves.”

Ifyouwant to learn how to write well, read this handy-dandy blog!
It’syourchoice whether you eat the frosting with a spoon or your hands.
Discuss it amongstyourselves.

Youcan wait in the lobby untilyourroom is ready.

There is also a form of second person called impliedsecond person. The POV is implied because you’re talking to the reader without ever saying “you” or “your.”

Pick up the pen and sign the contract.
Don’t go via the highway; there’s an accident blocking the left lane.
To properly fold a fitted sheet, try laying it down on the floor and asking a genie forhelp.

What is Third Person?

Third person removes the reader and writer from the equation. Instead, the content refers to outside objects, people, or places. Think of it like transferring ownership of the text to the person or thing being talked about.

Third-person pronouns include “she,” “her,” “hers,” “her,” “his,” “it,” “its,” “they,” “them,” “their,” and “theirs.”

Hecouldn’t believehisluck.
The students lined up at the end of class to pick uptheirtest results.
Itwas a dark and stormy night.
Theyleft the store with four bags of new clothes.

Much like the second person, a third-person perspective can be implied. You may not see pronouns like “them” or “him,” but it will be clear that the author is talking about a third party.

Beatrice was the only person left without a rose.
When it comes to knitting, Ethel is the best in town.
First, Second, and Third Person Different Points of View. First panel reads: First-person: When we talk about ourselves. Examples I, me, and my. Second panel reads: Second person refers to the person or people being addressed. Examples you, your, yours, yourself, yourselves. Third panel reads: Third person removes the reader and the author from the equation to refer to external objects, places, and people. Examples she, her, hers, his, it, its, they. Fourth panel shows a boy writing "I believe that..." Fifth panel shows a girl typing on her laptop "If you want to know the secret to a happy life..." Sixth panel shows a young man writing "She runs a mile every morning."
First, Second, and Third Person POV Infographic

Third-person is the go-to choice for many fiction writers who want the ability to narrate their stories freely. With the third person, authors can describe a character’s emotions or inner dialogue without claiming it. In other words, they invite the reader in without involving them directly. It also comes across as being more objective. A narrator who uses “I” or “me” would likely be biased. Therefore, writing in the third person indicates the author has little to no personal stake in the story.

Point of ViewSingularPlural
First PersonI, me, mine, mywe, us, our, ours
Second Personyou, your, yoursyou, your, yours
Third Personhe, she, him, her, his, her, hers, it,itsthey, them, their,theirs
First, Second, and Third Person Pronouns

Think of who You’re Writing for

Most of the time, choosing between first, second, and third-person depends on what you’re writing and for whom. The one thing you want to avoid 99% of the time is speaking in the third person. If your name is Laura and you catch yourself saying, “Laura really needs some coffee,” prepare to be teased.

Quick Grammar Quiz on First, Second, and Third Person

First, Second, Third Person Question #1

In writing, _______ refers to the perspective from which a story is written.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Point of view describes the perspective from which a piece of content is written.

Point of View Question #2

Which of these is NOT a point of view in writing?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. Fourth-person point of view doesn't exist.

First Person Question #3

Which of these is NOT a first-person sentence?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. The sentence is written from a third-person point of view.

Third Person Question #4

Which of these is NOT a third-person pronoun?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. “You” is a second-person pronoun.

Third Person Question #5

Writing in the third person indicates the author has no personal stake in the story.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. Third-person point of view allows authors to describe a character's emotions or inner dialogue without claiming it.

First, Second, and Third Person
Expert!
Not Bad!
Almost got it! Review the article and try again.

Read More: How To Use Not Only… But Also In A Sentence

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Other Ways to Write Hope you are Well in Your Email

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.

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