our first encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

"our first encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about an initial meeting with someone or something, or the first time you experienced something. For example: "Our first encounter was unforgettable -- we both knew right away that we had a connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After our first encounter, I Googled him.

The New York Times

At our first encounter he was still upbeat.

The New York Times

I speak to you openly, now, in our first encounter,.

The New Yorker

It was our first encounter in a big-budget film.

The Guardian - Film

A few days after our first encounter, I met Dadis again.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, he took me by surprise by initiating our first encounter.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Emigrants" was our first encounter with Sebald's desolate and yet magical universe.

The New York Times - Books

The kitchen crew too had turned things around just 48 hours after our first encounter.

The New York Times

Well, One Dog arrived and the cameras filmed our first encounter.

The New York Times

She smiled when I reminded her recently of our first encounter, when she was quiet and shy.

The New Yorker

The memory of our first encounter serves as a key to understanding our long-unacknowledged differ-ence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our first encounter" to vividly describe the initial impression or experience, setting the stage for subsequent events or developments in your narrative. The phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts, adding a touch of narrative flair.

Common error

Be mindful of the subtle difference between "encounter" and "meeting". "Encounter" often suggests an unexpected or unplanned interaction, whereas "meeting" implies a more deliberate arrangement. Using "encounter" when "meeting" is more appropriate can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our first encounter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to the initial instance of meeting someone or experiencing something, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our first encounter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an initial meeting or experience. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's considered correct and shows a very common presence across diverse sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While its register is generally neutral, being appropriate in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to be mindful of its nuanced meaning compared to other terms like "meeting". Alternatives like "our initial meeting" can be considered for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our initial meeting

Replaces "encounter" with a more formal term, focusing on the act of meeting.

our first meeting

Simplifies the phrase, removing the nuance of "encounter" but maintaining the core meaning.

when we first met

Shifts the focus to the act of meeting, using a more conversational tone.

our introduction

Highlights the formal act of being introduced.

our first experience

Broadens the context to any initial experience, not just meetings with people.

the first time we encountered

Rephrases to emphasize the action of encountering something or someone for the first time.

our maiden voyage

Metaphorically describes a first experience, suitable for specific contexts.

our baptism of fire

Idiomatically describes a difficult or challenging first experience.

the genesis of our relationship

More dramatic, indicates the start of a deeper connection.

how we initially crossed paths

Emphasizes the coincidental nature of meeting.

FAQs

How can I use "our first encounter" in a sentence?

You can use "our first encounter" to describe an initial meeting or experience. For example: "Our first encounter was at a conference, where we discovered our shared interest in linguistics."

What's a less formal alternative to "our first encounter"?

Informal alternatives include phrases like "when we first met" or "how we initially crossed paths", depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "our first encounter"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "our initial meeting" or "our introduction".

What is the difference between "our first encounter" and "our first meeting"?

"Our first encounter" often implies a chance or unexpected meeting, while "our first meeting" suggests a planned or arranged meeting. The choice depends on whether the meeting was intentional or accidental.