physical meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical meeting" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
When used, it implies a meeting among people that is held in person, not just virtually. For example, "Due to the pandemic, we have postponed our physical meeting until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Crowd sourced information is uploaded to social media, which in turn guides our physical meeting places.

Stanford University

They have an annual physical meeting, "where the church council is available for face-to-face questions and guidance".

The Guardian - Opinion

In a physical meeting, you would never make a phone call and "check out" from the meeting.

Harvard Business Review

In principle, shareholders still vote at a physical "meeting" (but see the possibility of action by written consent, DGCL 228).

Harvard University

He is a founder of Aula, a three-year-old cooperative in Finland that provides a physical meeting place to augment the virtual community.

The New York Times

"I think a physical meeting once a decade and a Christmas card once a year is sufficient for me," he wrote to his brother Jim.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Some companies are eliminating physical meetings entirely.

The New York Times

Traditionally this is achieved through physical meetings between the representatives of different design groups.

Automation in Construction

First, we connected with students by direct marketing via email, social media, and physical meetings.

The Guardian

"It's great to go from cyber relations to physical meetings," Ms. Potier said.

The New York Times

At the design stage, this has traditionally been based on physical meetings between representatives of the principal design disciplines.

Automation in Construction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "physical meeting" to explicitly distinguish an in-person gathering from virtual or online interactions, ensuring clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "physical meeting" when the context already implies an in-person event. For example, instead of saying "We will have a physical meeting in the office", simply state "We will meet in the office" if virtual attendance isn't an option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical meeting" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and names a specific type of gathering, one that involves in-person interaction. As Ludwig notes, it is particularly useful for differentiating between in-person and virtual settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "physical meeting" is a noun phrase used to denote an in-person gathering, distinguishing it from virtual interactions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage is particularly relevant in today's world, where remote communication is prevalent. When using the phrase, make sure that the context does not make it redundant and always aim for a clear communication style. Related phrases include "face-to-face meeting" and "in-person gathering", and the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. By keeping these points in mind, you can use "physical meeting" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face-to-face meeting

Focuses on the direct, personal interaction aspect of the meeting.

in-person gathering

Emphasizes the assembly of people in a shared location.

real-world meeting

Contrasts the meeting with virtual or online interactions.

on-site conference

Highlights the location aspect, suggesting the meeting takes place at a specific venue.

offline meetup

Indicates a meeting that is not conducted over the internet.

live session

Implies a real-time, interactive meeting experience.

actual meeting

Highlights the tangibility and concreteness of the meeting.

personal encounter

Focuses on the individual interactions during the meeting.

hands-on workshop

Suggests a practical, participatory meeting format.

corporeal huddle

A more abstract and somewhat humorous way to refer to a physical meeting.

FAQs

What's the difference between a "physical meeting" and a virtual meeting?

A "physical meeting" implies an in-person gathering where participants are physically present in the same location. A virtual meeting, on the other hand, is conducted remotely using technology, allowing participants to interact from different locations.

When is it appropriate to use the term "physical meeting"?

Use "physical meeting" when it's necessary to emphasize that the meeting will be held in person, especially when contrasting it with virtual or online alternatives. This is useful to avoid ambiguity and ensure everyone understands the format.

Are there alternatives to "physical meeting"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "face-to-face meeting", "in-person gathering", or "on-site conference".

How has the rise of virtual meetings affected the use of "physical meeting"?

The increased prevalence of virtual meetings has made it more important to specify when a meeting will be a "physical meeting". The term is now frequently used to clarify the format and avoid confusion in communications.