first time we met

USAGE SUMMARY

'first time we met' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first time two people met each other. For example, "I never forget the first time we met. It was at a small cafe downtown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The first time we met".

The New Yorker

The first time we met, Ainsworth handed me an invoice, made out to his home address.

Independent

"That's what you said the first time we met, John," he said.

The New Yorker

The first time we met, she told me that she was a soldier of God.

The New Yorker

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," she told me the first time we met.

The New Yorker

I don't remember the first time we met, but she does.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Atala was speaking about ants the first time we met, in Copenhagen two years ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Brian's a musical genius," he had told me the first time we met.

The New Yorker

"I can't even remember the first time we met, Stormy," Martinez said, spooning out mashed potatoes.

The New Yorker

"The first time we met I was attracted to her," Mr. Yang said.

The New York Times

The first time we met up we spent hours making food while talking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recounting a past event, specify the context or location where "first time we met" occurred to provide clarity and set the scene for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in a future tense. "First time we will meet" is grammatically incorrect. Stick to the past tense to accurately describe the initial encounter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first time we met" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, typically introducing a clause that describes the circumstances or significance of that initial meeting. It sets the stage for a narrative or recollection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first time we met" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce an initial encounter between individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a temporal adverbial phrase, setting the stage for anecdotes and personal narratives. Predominantly found in news, lifestyle, and academic contexts, its register remains generally neutral. When employing this phrase, ensure correct tense usage and specify the context for clarity. Alternatives like "our initial meeting" offer more formal options. Remember to avoid incorrect future tense constructions to maintain grammatical accuracy. The phrase is versatile, lending itself to diverse writing styles, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we first encountered each other

Replaces "met" with a more formal "encountered", emphasizing the initial nature of the meeting.

our initial meeting

Uses a noun phrase to describe the first encounter, changing the grammatical structure.

our very first encounter

Adds emphasis using "very" to describe the initial meeting.

the day we first crossed paths

Employs a more figurative expression, highlighting the chance nature of the meeting.

when our paths first crossed

Similar to 'crossed paths' but uses a slightly different word order.

from our first meeting

Slightly changes the focus to the perspective of looking back from the initial encounter.

the first occasion of our meeting

Adds formality and emphasizes the specific instance of the first meeting.

our first introduction

Focuses on the act of being introduced, rather than simply meeting.

the first time our paths aligned

Uses 'aligned' to suggest a destined or meaningful first encounter.

the initial time we got together

A more casual phrasing emphasizing the act of spending time together.

FAQs

How can I use "first time we met" in a sentence?

You can use "first time we met" to introduce a story or anecdote about your initial encounter with someone. For example, "The "first time we met", I was immediately struck by her intelligence".

What's a more formal alternative to "first time we met"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "our initial meeting" or "when we first encountered each other".

Is it correct to say "the first time we will meet"?

No, "the first time we will meet" is grammatically incorrect. You should use "the first time we meet" when referring to a future event, but it is more common to use "first time we met" for past encounters.

What's the difference between "first time we met" and "the first time we met"?

The difference is subtle; "first time we met" is a general statement about an event, while "the first time we met" is more specific, often introducing a related clause. For example, "The first time we met, I was late."