encounter individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing meeting or coming across people in various contexts, such as social situations, research, or storytelling. Example: "During my travels, I often encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds who share fascinating stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Young women scientists routinely encounter individuals who view marriage, for women, and motherhood (but not fatherhood) as incompatible with a scientific career.

Science Magazine

I frequently encounter individuals that do not know or understand that, especially on social media".

Vice

As CDC behavioral scientist Sarah DeGue told The New York Times, "It's possible that potential perpetrators could encounter individuals who have received training and just move on to more vulnerable individuals".

Huffington Post

It still amazes me that I continue to encounter individuals who want to make a living selling, although they have not taken the time to make the fundamental investments in their own development -- more importantly, they have not learned how to build a trusting relationship.

Huffington Post

In disciplines such as social work and community organizing and activism, you encounter individuals and paradigms that leave you wondering if the ideals and mores stressed via academic theory and marketing strategies were nothing more than a trick to get you involved in a carefully crafted ruse of the exploitation of others.

Huffington Post

Only under evolutionarily 'recent' conditions do humans routinely encounter individuals who differ substantially in physical appearance.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Several times they encounter individual US units where there's absolutely no command and control.

Vice

In situations where I have or continue to encounter individual or systemic barriers, I contest such practices.

HuffPost

In contrast, upon such an obstacle encounter, individual bidirectional dynein-dynactins often remain attached to a microtubule and undergo a reversal in travel direction (Dixit et al., 2008).

eLife

Yet in the real world, one regularly encounters individuals who behave inconsistently, engaging in multiple different kinds of behaviors that are variably prosocial and antisocial.

Cognition

"If local law enforcement encounters individuals who are in this country illegally, particularly if they are engaged in criminal activity, it is important that they coordinate with us," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter individuals", consider the context. It often implies a formal or professional setting, or a situation where the meeting is significant in some way. For casual meetings, "meet people" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "encounter individuals" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "meet" or "see" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "encounter individuals" is a verb phrase, where "encounter" acts as the verb and "individuals" as its direct object. Ludwig's examples show it describing the action of meeting or coming across people in various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encounter individuals" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig. It's most suitable for describing meetings in formal or significant contexts, particularly within science, news, and business settings. While versatile, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "meet people" or "come across people" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in diverse scenarios, from scientific research to social commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet people

This is a more common and general way to express the same idea, focusing on the act of meeting.

come across people

Emphasizes the element of chance or unexpectedness in meeting someone.

run into people

Suggests a casual or unplanned meeting.

meet with individuals

Implies a more formal or arranged meeting.

interact with people

Focuses on the interaction that occurs during the meeting.

engage with individuals

Highlights a more active or involved interaction.

come into contact with people

Stresses the physical proximity or connection established.

have dealings with people

Focuses on the business or transactional aspect of the encounter.

be exposed to individuals

Suggests a situation where one is subject to the influence or presence of others.

cross paths with individuals

Emphasizes the coincidental or transient nature of the meeting.

FAQs

What does "encounter individuals" mean?

The phrase "encounter individuals" means to meet or come across people, often in a professional or significant context. It suggests a meeting that is more than just a casual passing.

What can I say instead of "encounter individuals"?

You can use alternatives like "meet people", "come across people", or "run into people" depending on the context.

Is "encounter individuals" formal or informal?

"Encounter individuals" leans toward the formal side. In casual settings, it's better to use simpler phrases like "meet" or "see".

How do I use "encounter individuals" in a sentence?

Use "encounter individuals" when you want to describe a meeting, often in a professional or significant context. For example, "Researchers often encounter individuals with unique perspectives during their studies."