having a meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

"having a meeting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event where people gather to discuss or exchange ideas, thoughts, or information. Example: "I will be having a meeting with my team tomorrow to discuss the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They often say they're having a meeting.

The New York Times

Maybe I didn't know they were having a meeting".

The New York Times

"I remember having a meeting with people on my staff.

The Guardian

"We're having a meeting to talk about how many and when really".

Independent

"Not now, I'm having a meeting," Mr. Escava said, then changed his mind.

The New York Times

That usually involves having a meeting with my wine manager and cellar master.

The New York Times

Just from having a meeting it's all over the newspapers and it have me the horrors.

Independent

If so, we'll be having a meeting regarding that issue directly after this meeting.

The New Yorker

It's the people who aren't interested in having a meeting with me or other women.

The New York Times

Why are we having a meeting without Russia being in the meeting?

The Washington Post

"Even if I'm having a meeting, I'll leave it low as background music".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having a meeting", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and participants of the meeting to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid replacing active verbs with nominalizations like "having a meeting" when a more direct verb, such as "meeting", would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of saying "We are having a meeting", consider "We are meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a meeting" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it is commonly used to describe the act of participating in, organizing, or scheduling a meeting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "having a meeting" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of participating in or organizing a meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, reflecting its versatility. While it's generally acceptable, avoiding nominalizations by using stronger verbs can improve clarity and conciseness. Consider alternatives like "convening a meeting" for formal contexts or "getting together" for informal discussions. Being mindful of the context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being in a meeting

Indicates the state of currently attending a meeting.

holding a meeting

Emphasizes the act of organizing and hosting the meeting.

conducting a meeting

Focuses on the act of leading or managing the meeting.

organizing a meeting

Emphasizes the arrangement and preparation aspects of the meeting.

calling a meeting

Suggests initiating or summoning people to the meeting.

engaged in a meeting

Suggests active participation and focus during the meeting.

attending a meeting

Shifts the focus to participating in the meeting as opposed to organizing it.

participating in a meeting

Highlights the active involvement in the discussions during the meeting.

convening a meeting

Implies a more formal or official assembly.

scheduling a meeting

Focuses on the act of planning and setting up the meeting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "having a meeting" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "convening a meeting" or "holding a meeting". These options often imply a more structured or official gathering.

What's the difference between "organizing a meeting" and "having a meeting"?

"Having a meeting" typically refers to the act of participating in a meeting or the state of being in a meeting, while "organizing a meeting" refers to the process of planning and arranging the meeting.

Is it better to say "we are having a meeting" or "we are in a meeting"?

Both are correct, but "we are in a meeting" usually indicates that the meeting is currently in progress, whereas "we are having a meeting" can refer to a scheduled meeting in the future or a meeting that is currently taking place.

What are some alternatives to "having a meeting" in informal contexts?

In informal settings, you might use phrases like "getting together", "chatting", or "touching base" to replace "having a meeting", depending on the context and the purpose of the discussion.