I met that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I met that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an incomplete thought or a miscommunication, as it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I met that person at the conference last year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I met that goal.

The New Yorker

There was a rather manic enthusiasm about everyone I met that day.

The Guardian - Arts

And to Lisa, Lisa Denardo, the girl I met that night at the Roxy, hoping I was going to score.

The New Yorker

There I met that pair of Portuguese women, who were gearing up to go dancing at El Son, the city's best-known Latin club.

The New York Times

Of all the white people I met that week who had chosen to remain in the city, only two were unarmed.

The New Yorker

As cool as it would be to say, 'Yeah, I met that guy on television in the Sainsbury's ads', I'm a professional.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I view love like this: if it happens, if I meet that right person, then so be it.

The New York Times

* What new people did I meet that are now in my life?

Huffington Post

"I don't think I ever met that woman," Jonas said.

The New Yorker

I never met that son.

The New York Times

And I've met that girl (very attractive in real life).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that "I met that" is followed by the specific person, goal, or condition you are referring to. Without context, it lacks clarity and can confuse your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I met that" as a standalone statement. Always provide the specific subject or object that was met, achieved, or satisfied. For example, instead of "I met that", say "I met that goal" or "I met that person".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I met that" functions as an incomplete statement requiring a direct object for grammatical correctness. Ludwig indicates that this phrase, while frequently used, often appears within a broader context to provide clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I met that" appears frequently across various sources, it's considered grammatically "incorrect" by Ludwig when used in isolation. To ensure clarity and correctness, always follow it with a direct object indicating what was met, such as a goal, person, or requirement. Although often used in neutral contexts, it's best to choose more formal alternatives in professional settings. When writing, providing complete context is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I encountered that

Replaces "met" with "encountered", suggesting a more formal or unexpected meeting.

I achieved that

Substitutes "met" with "achieved", implying the fulfillment of a goal or requirement.

I fulfilled that

Similar to 'achieved that', but focuses on satisfying a specific condition or obligation.

I satisfied that

Emphasizes the act of meeting a requirement or standard.

I qualified for that

Specifically relates to meeting the criteria for something like a job or program.

I attained that

Implies reaching a certain level or status.

I accomplished that

Highlights the completion or success in reaching a target.

I came across that

Similar to "encountered that" but suggests a chance meeting or discovery.

I have met that person

Adds "person" to specify the entity, providing clarity.

I have satisfied that condition

Adds "condition" to clarify what exactly has been satisfied.

FAQs

How can I use "I met that" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "I met that" requires a direct object to be grammatically correct. For example, you can say "I met that goal", "I met that person", or "I met that requirement". Without the object, the sentence is incomplete and unclear.

What's a more formal way to say "I met that"?

Alternatives include "I satisfied that condition", "I achieved that objective", or "I fulfilled that". These options convey a sense of accomplishment in a more professional manner.

Is it ever acceptable to use "I met that" in casual conversation?

Yes, in informal settings, "I met that" can be acceptable if the context is already clear to the listener. However, in formal writing or professional communication, it's best to use a more precise phrasing.

What can I say instead of "I met that person"?

You can use alternatives like "I encountered that individual", "I spoke with that person", or "I came across that individual". The best choice depends on the specific context of your meeting.