exchanged a greeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchanged a greeting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where two or more people acknowledge each other with a friendly or polite remark. Example: "As they passed each other in the hallway, they exchanged a greeting, smiling warmly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Two people who knew each other exchanged a greeting of big, exaggerated, silent smiles, then sat in different parts of the room.

The New Yorker

As the executives filed by, each exchanged a greeting with the Prime Minister that was drowned out by a big band blasting "Blue Moon" and "I Did It My Way". Mr. Netanyahu turned to the audience, composed mostly of Israeli business executives, to relay the comments as if they were an informal poll.

The New York Times

She and debate moderator Jose Diaz-Balart exchanged a greeting in Spanish before she launched into a question for Bernie Sanders about what he would do to fix the nation's immigration system.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fine to exchange a greeting, but what do you do with phone numbers except let them mount up — business cards, little pieces of paper?

The New Yorker

Fine to exchange a greeting, but what do you do with phone numbers except let them mount up business cards, little pieces of paper?

The New Yorker

In London, we exchange a greeting at the party for the film, but it's with Ethan that it's easier to sit and have a long chat about their work.

Independent

Although Mrs. Michael, who works as a nurse's aide and commutes 15 miles to Fort Lee, N.J., was aware there were lower prices down the road, she said she liked to follow her routine, getting a sandwich and exchanging a greeting with some of the staff.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore shook hands and exchanged a quick greeting, their first meeting since Mr. Bush's inauguration.

The New York Times

With Mike, the doorman on duty, Kendall exchanged a proletarian greeting (they both worked here, after all) on his way to the gilded elevator.

The New Yorker

At a May tournament in Mobile, Ala., Kerr exchanged a hurried greeting with Karen Stupples, who was rushing to retrieve her 3-year-old son from the tour's day care center 15 miles away.

The New York Times - Sports

James said she merely exchanged a morning greeting with the juror and then walked away to use a different elevator when she learned that he was involved in the Chapman case.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchanged a greeting" to depict a brief and polite interaction between individuals, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. For example: "At the conference, attendees "exchanged a greeting" before the presentations began."

Common error

Avoid replacing "exchanged a greeting" with overly formal or archaic phrases in modern contexts. Simpler terms often maintain clarity and prevent sounding pretentious. Rather than saying something like 'they conveyed their salutations', stick with the phrase "exchanged a greeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged a greeting" functions as a verb phrase describing a brief, polite interaction between two or more people. The Ludwig examples confirm that it's used to depict a common social interaction. It often sets a scene or introduces a relationship dynamic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchanged a greeting" describes a brief, polite interaction where individuals acknowledge each other. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal and business settings. While semantically similar phrases like "said hello" or "greeted each other" exist, "exchanged a greeting" offers a slightly more formal and descriptive nuance. Remember to avoid redundant phrasing such as "exchanged a greeting with each other", and choose simpler terms over elaborate vocabulary for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offered a greeting

Implies a more deliberate or polite gesture.

greeted each other

A reciprocal action where both parties initiate a greeting.

returned a greeting

Suggests that one person initiated the greeting, and the other responded.

said hello

A straightforward way of greeting someone verbally.

passed greetings

Describes a quick or casual exchange of greetings.

gave a hello

A very simple and direct form of greeting.

offered a salutation

Implies a more formal or respectful acknowledgement.

shared an acknowledgement

Focuses on the act of recognizing someone without specifying the nature of the greeting.

extended a welcome

Signifies a warmer, more hospitable greeting.

acknowledged one another

Highlights the mutual recognition between individuals.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "exchanged a greeting"?

When people "exchanged a greeting", it means they acknowledged each other with a polite word or gesture, such as saying hello or nodding.

What are some alternatives to "exchanged a greeting"?

Alternatives include "said hello", "greeted each other", or "offered a greeting", depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "exchanged a greeting"?

The phrase "exchanged a greeting" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and professional settings. You can use it without sounding too stiff or too relaxed.

Is it redundant to say "exchanged a greeting with each other"?

Yes, saying "exchanged a greeting with each other" is redundant. Since "exchanged" implies a mutual action, "each other" is unnecessary. Simply say "exchanged a greeting".