When meeting someone new, one of the most common questions in English is:
“What do you do?” English Conversation: Mastering “What Do You Do?” for Everyday Conversations.
This question is not just about curiosity—it’s a social way to start a conversation, understand someone’s profession, or even explore networking opportunities.
Many learners struggle to respond naturally or expand the conversation. This guide will teach you step by step how to ask and answer “What do you do?” correctly, with examples, dialogues, and exercises for beginners and advanced learners.
1. Understanding the Question “What Do You Do?”
Meaning
- “What do you do?” usually refers to your job, profession, or main activity.
- It is commonly used in social and professional settings.
Examples:
- Person A: “Hi! What do you do?”
- Person B: “I’m a teacher.”
- Person A: “That’s great! How long have you been teaching?”
Key Points
- It can also be asked as:
- “What is your job?”
- “What is your occupation?” (more formal)
- “What do you do for a living?”
2. Common Answers to “What Do You Do?”
Your answer depends on whether you are a student, professional, freelancer, or homemaker.
Professional Jobs
- “I’m a software engineer.”
- “I work as a doctor in a hospital.”
- “I’m a graphic designer at a marketing agency.”
Students
- “I’m a student at XYZ University.”
- “I’m studying business management.”
Self-employed / Freelancers
- “I run my own business.”
- “I’m a freelance writer.”
- “I work as a tutor online.”
Homemakers / Retired
- “I take care of my family.”
- “I’m retired now, but I used to be an accountant.”
Tip: Start your answer with “I am…” or “I work as…” to sound natural.
3. Expanding Your Answer: Making Conversations Interesting
Instead of just saying your job, you can add details to continue the conversation.
Examples:
- “I’m a teacher. I teach English to high school students.”
- “I work as a software engineer. I mostly develop mobile applications.”
- “I’m a student. I’m studying marketing and I also do an internship.”
Why Expand?
- It shows personality and makes conversations more engaging.
- It allows others to ask follow-up questions.
4. Asking “What Do You Do?” Politely
Polite Phrases
- “May I ask what you do?”
- “So, what line of work are you in?”
- “Can I know what you do for a living?”
Tip: Use these in formal settings like business meetings or networking events.
Casual Ways
- “What do you do?” (informal)
- “So, what’s your job?”
- “What keeps you busy these days?”
5. Sample English Conversations
Conversation 1: Casual
- A: Hi, I’m Sarah. Nice to meet you!
- B: Hi Sarah! I’m John. Nice to meet you too.
- A: So, John, what do you do?
- B: I’m a teacher. I teach science at a high school.
- A: That’s great! Do you enjoy teaching?
- B: Yes, I love it. The students are amazing. English Conversation: Mastering “What Do You Do?” for Everyday Conversations.
Conversation 2: Professional Networking
- A: Hello, I’m David from XYZ Company. May I ask what you do?
- B: Of course! I’m a project manager at a software firm.
- A: That sounds interesting. What kind of projects do you handle?
- B: Mostly mobile app development and team management.
Conversation 3: Student
- A: Hey! I don’t think we’ve met. What do you do?
- B: I’m a student at ABC University, studying computer science.
- A: Nice! Are you working on any projects?
- B: Yes, we are creating a web application for our class assignment.
6. English Phrases to Respond Naturally
Short Responses
- “I’m an engineer.”
- “I work in marketing.”
- “I’m a student.”
Long Responses
- “I’m a graphic designer. I design logos, websites, and social media content.”
- “I’m a nurse at a private hospital. I work mostly in the emergency department.”
- “I’m a student, studying business administration. I also do freelance writing.”
Polite Follow-ups
After answering, it’s good to ask the other person back:
- “What about you?”
- “And what do you do?”
- “How about your work?”
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wrong verb tense
❌ Wrong: “I do engineer.”
✅ Correct: “I’m an engineer.” - Being too vague
❌ Wrong: “I work in an office.”
✅ Correct: “I work in an accounting firm as a financial analyst.” - Overcomplicating sentences
Keep it simple and clear. Don’t use long, confusing sentences.
8. Practical Exercises for Learners
Exercise 1: Practice Your Answer
Write your answer to “What do you do?” in 3 ways:
- Short answer
- Medium-length answer
- Detailed answer
Exercise 2: Role-Play
Pair up with a friend or practice with yourself:
- Person A asks, “What do you do?”
- Person B answers in 3 different ways.
Exercise 3: Expand Conversations
Take your answer and write 3 follow-up questions that someone might ask:
- Example: “I’m a teacher.” → “What subjects do you teach?”
9. Vocabulary for “What Do You Do?” Conversations
Jobs / Professions Vocabulary
- Engineer, doctor, teacher, nurse, student, lawyer, accountant, manager, artist, writer
Action Words for Work
- Work, teach, manage, design, create, develop, handle, organize, study
Polite Conversation Phrases
- “May I ask…”
- “What line of work are you in?”
- “Can I know what you do for a living?”
10. FAQs About “What Do You Do?” in English
Q1: Can I ask this question to strangers?
Yes, but in formal settings, use polite forms like: “May I ask what you do?”
Q2: What if someone is unemployed or a homemaker?
Answer honestly: “I’m currently taking care of my family” or “I’m exploring new opportunities.”
Q3: How can I sound natural in my response?
Use simple sentences, add details about your work, and show interest in the other person.
Q4: Is “What do you do for a living?” the same as “What do you do?”
Yes, but it is more formal and professional.
Q5: How do students answer?
“I’m a student at [school/university], studying [subject].” Add hobbies or part-time work for more details. English Conversation: Mastering “What Do You Do?” for Everyday Conversations.
Conclusion
Mastering the question “What do you do?” is essential for everyday English conversations. By learning how to ask politely, answer naturally, and expand your responses, you can make meaningful connections in casual, professional, or academic settings.
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