meet the dog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meet the dog" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing someone to a dog, either in a casual or formal context. Example: "When you arrive at my house, be sure to meet the dog; he loves making new friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Come and meet the dog".

The New Yorker

This board also wanted to meet the dog.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I even recommend that the landlord meet the dog," Mr. Budetti said.

The New York Times

"I don't have to meet the person," she said, "but I have to meet the dog".

The New York Times - Travel

"If you want to meet the dog, Mr. President, I advise you to bring treats," James joked.

The New Yorker

Bigger dogs will be accepted "at our discretion," Mr. Daood said, "but we have to meet the dog".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The next morning, we pull on our snowsuits for the first time and head out to meet the dogs.

The Guardian - Travel

They also offered their neighbour a visit so she could meet the dogs and start to conquer her fear.

The Guardian

Along with a dozen or so others, we were transported by van half an hour out into the Québécois countryside to meet the dogs.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Picture book; ages 4 to 8) A follow-up to "Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm," Lenore's genial true tale, told through lively animal photography and sweet, descriptive text, works as a stand-alone.

The New York Times - Books

There are also family weekends with a program that works with inmates to train shelter dogs; visitors can meet the dogs and learn about "Pep," Eastern State's famous canine "prisoner". There have been on-site tastings of Nutraloaf, a composite food product served in prisons.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about interacting with a dog, use "meet the dog" to describe a first encounter or introduction. For subsequent interactions, consider using phrases like "spend time with the dog" or "play with the dog" to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "meet the dog" when you actually mean "play with the dog", "train the dog", or "care for the dog". "Meet" implies an initial introduction, not ongoing interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meet the dog" primarily functions as a directive or suggestion, often used when introducing someone to a dog or when discussing the process of initial interaction. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from pet adoptions to visiting someone's home.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meet the dog" is a common and grammatically correct phrase, primarily used to suggest or direct an introduction to a dog. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and general online content, with a neutral register suitable for everyday conversation. For more formal contexts, alternative phrases like "be introduced to the dog" may be more appropriate. When writing, ensure "meet" accurately conveys an initial introduction rather than ongoing interaction. The phrase is versatile and well-understood, making it a reliable choice for describing such encounters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greet the dog

Focuses on the act of greeting, suggesting a brief and possibly initial interaction.

be introduced to the dog

This alternative uses a more formal tone by including "be introduced to".

have an introduction to the dog

This phrase implies a more structured or formal introduction process.

get to know the dog

Similar to becoming familiar, this implies spending time to understand the dog's personality.

get acquainted with the dog

This phrase suggests a process of becoming familiar with the dog, implying more than a simple meeting.

become familiar with the dog

This suggests building a relationship with the dog over time, not just a single meeting.

make the dog's acquaintance

This is a more formal and somewhat antiquated way of saying meet the dog.

spend time with the dog

This phrase indicates a more extended interaction than a simple meeting.

encounter the dog

This alternative suggests a chance meeting, rather than a planned introduction.

see the dog

A simple and direct way of saying meet, implying a visual encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "meet the dog" in a sentence?

You can use "meet the dog" in sentences like, "Before deciding to rent the apartment, the landlord wanted to "meet the dog" to ensure it was well-behaved" or "If you come over, you'll get to "meet the dog", Max."

What are some alternatives to "meet the dog"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "greet the dog", "be introduced to the dog", or "get acquainted with the dog".

Is it appropriate to use "meet the dog" in formal writing?

While "meet the dog" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "be introduced to the dog" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "meet the dog" and "meeting the dog"?

"Meet the dog" is an imperative or infinitive phrase suggesting an action, while "meeting the dog" is a gerund phrase which can act as a noun. For example, "Meet the dog is important before adopting", versus "Meeting the dog calmed my nerves".