An explanation for intermediate to advanced English language learners on using the words "meet" and "meeting" properly. This is the third lesson of the SkimaTalk course Misused and Misunderstood Words written by Michele W. Snider, SkimaTalk teacher and author of My Virtual English blog.

1. WE'VE GOT TO STOP
MEETING LIKE THIS!
Use the words "meet" and "meeting" correctly

2. Meet has a much
narrower use in English
than in other languages.

3. FOUR USES FOR MEET:
1. To be introduced for
the first time to a
person, a pet, or
creature with a name
NOTE: We can use the word
“introduced” with concepts and
things, but NOT “meet.“ I can be
introduced to rock climbing, but I
can’t meet it.
2. To meet someone somewhere
In this case the location or
the purpose must be
mentioned or implied.
“I will meet you in/at* the
library after work.”
* Either in or at can be used in
this sentence. “In” means inside
the library, “at” means at that
location.
If we normally meet in the library
parking lot, I would say “at the
library.”

4. FOUR USES FOR MEET:
3. To describe a
formal meeting
NOTE: There is a difference
between having a meeting,
going to a meeting, and joining
one. (We will look at this later)
All three of these expressions
refer to “formal” meetings.
4. To refer to a surprise or “chance meeting"
A common expression,
“Fancy meeting you here!”
uses meet in this sense.
We can also say, "Imagine
meeting you here!"
The word “fancy” has had
various uses in English over
the years. This expression
uses fancy to mean “what a
surprise!”

5. Sometimes a student will greet me with, “Nice to meet you!”
“We were meeting new things.”
Look at the sentences
Is this sentence okay? (Look at rule #2 again) What can be done to improve the sentence?
“I will meet my friend from California.”
Is this sentence okay? (Look at rule #1 again) What can be done to improve the sentence?
Is this sentence okay? (Look at rule #1 again) What can be done to improve the sentence?

6. WE’VE GOT TO STOP MEETING LIKE THIS!
This expression is used when people run into* each other several times within a
short period of time. (*"Run into" is a synonym for the 4th usage of "meet" (an
unplanned encounter).

7. ABOUT MEETINGS
We can have or hold them, go to them, or join them
Demonstrate your understanding by explaining the differences in meaning to your teacher .
Have Hold Go to Join
to have a
scheduled
meeting
to host or "call"*
a meeting
to attend a
meeting
to "drop in" to a
meeting in
progress
* call a meeting: to convene it (due to tardiness)
“I have a lunch
meeting
tomorrow."
"The meeting will
be held in the
breakroom."
"I'd like to go to
that committee
meeting."
"I will join that
meeting after
this one."
(OR, as a guest to
the group)
“We need to
have a meeting
with the staff."
"I will hold a
meeting to
discuss the vote"
"I don't have a
meeting to go
to today."
"I'm joining you
today to explain
Company Z's
services"

8. WHEN IT COMES TO MEETINGS AND OTHER GATHERINGS
(like parties), we say we are going or not going. We “join” the gathering when
we come inside the door. Then, we are “joining” the others.

9. To "meet someone in the middle" or "meet
someone halfway" is to compromise

10. A FEW MORE USES OF "MEET"
To be present for the arrival
of a plane, or train.
Example:
"I met the train at Grant station .",
or
"We waited to meet her plane."
To hear or see something
unexpectedly
Example:
"Suddenly our eyes met.", or
"A familiar and welcome
sound met my ears."
To "meet face to face" is to
"meet in person"
It can also mean:
Example:
"We have spoken on the phone
but never met in person."

11. TALK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING
EXPRESSIONS WITH YOUR TEACHER
Our company will hold a "Meet and Greet."
I met this guy on the street.
Bonus Points: "Never the twain shall meet." *
This expression comes from a famous British writer: Rudyard Kipling. "Twain" is from Old
English, meaning "two." This phrase is still quoted by modern day English speakers. Can
you guess its meaning?
Demonstrate your understanding. Go back to slides 3 and 4 and create your own sentences.

12. This slide presentation was created by Michele W. Snider, teacher for SkimaTalk,
Inc., and author of
http://www.myvirtualenglish.com
That's it!
We hope you enjoyed
it!