syntinen wrote:But, and this is important, in Britain the only correct response to "How do you do?" is to say "How do you do?" right back. It is not meant as a literal question and it is a social error to take it as such and give an answer to it.
This is of course totally illogical; but social formulas often are, in any language.
Wow, I did not know that.
If someone said "how do you do to me" (I'm American) to me, I'd think they were being very polite, and I would say "Fine, thank you. And you?"
momosha, I don't think it's incorrect what khorrami wrote. Saying "I read a grammar book" would imply he/she read the entire book. It might be that section was the only part read.
I have a difficult time remembering who gets introduced to who (whom?)
I know that a younger person is presented to an older person, a man to a woman, etc. However, I can only keep it straight if I think "Mrs. Important Person, I'd like to present Mr. College Student." However, in America, that would sound overly formal and affected.
Would it be correct to say "Mr. College Student, I'd like to introduce you TO Mrs. Important Person"?
BTW, I don't find myself saying "How are you doing" really, I mostly say "How are you"?
This, is certain areas, and in a very informal sense, is shortened to Howdy, or Howdy do?
I'd never say Howdy unless I heard someone else say it first, or else I'd say it in a joking way.