be met with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be met with" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something is encountered or experienced, usually something unexpected or unpleasant. For example: "The proposal was met with opposition from some of the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still, crises should be met with liberality.

The Economist

This should also be met with wariness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Violent fanatics must be met with violence.

The New York Times

To be met with disbelief is devastating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Water shortages will be met with massive seawater desalination plants.

University of California, Berkeley

Violence should not always be met with violence.

The Guardian

We believe that the SFI should be met with scrutiny.

The Guardian

Refusals can be met with violence and, sometimes, murder.

The New York Times

Sometimes such growth can be met with existing facilities.

Harvard Business Review

One whose behavior is erratic will be met with suspicion.

Harvard Business Review

I know my words will also be met with skepticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be met with" to describe how something is received or encountered, especially when the reaction or experience is notable or significant. For instance, "The new policy was met with widespread approval."

Common error

Ensure you're using the correct form. "Met with" (past participle of meet) indicates a reaction that has already happened, whereas "meet with" (present tense) suggests a planned meeting or discussion. Avoid using "meet with" when you mean "be met with."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be met with" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a subject is received or encountered by something else. Ludwig AI shows this construction is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase the phrase in varied contexts, from political reactions to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be met with" is a versatile phrase that aptly describes how something is received or encountered. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing underscores its neutrality and suitability for objective reporting. When using this phrase, remember to distinguish it from "meet with", which denotes a planned encounter. Common errors aside, mastering "be met with" will enrich your descriptive repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be met by

This alternative implies a direct encounter or reception, typically by a person or group, instead of a general experience.

be confronted with

This suggests a more challenging or problematic encounter, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation.

be met against

Less common, implies opposition or resistance, highlighting a confrontational aspect.

encounter

A single-word substitute, lacking the passive voice, indicating a direct experience or confrontation.

experience

This alternative is more general, referring to the overall feeling or sensation of something happening.

face

Implies a direct and often unavoidable encounter with a challenge or difficulty.

run into

Suggests an unexpected or chance encounter, often with something unplanned.

come up against

Highlights the aspect of facing resistance or obstacles, indicating a struggle.

find oneself facing

This phrase emphasizes the unexpected nature of the encounter, suggesting a sudden realization.

be subject to

Implies that something will inevitably happen or that a person will experience something.

FAQs

How can I use "be met with" in a sentence?

"Be met with" is used to describe how something is received or encountered. For example, "The announcement was "be met with" silence" indicates that the announcement encountered silence as a response.

What are some alternatives to "be met with"?

Alternatives include "be confronted with", "encounter", or "face", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "meet with" instead of "be met with" in all contexts?

No, "meet with" implies a planned meeting or discussion, whereas "be met with" describes a reaction or encounter. They are not interchangeable. "Meet with" describes actions, while "be met with" describes reactions to actions or events.

What's the difference between "be met with" and "be confronted with"?

"Be confronted with" suggests facing a challenge or problem directly, implying a more difficult or problematic encounter. "Be met with" is more general and describes how something is received, without necessarily implying difficulty.