when I first met

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I first met" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the time or circumstance when you first encountered someone or something. Example: "When I first met my best friend, I was only five years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that's when I first met him".

The Guardian

That's when I first met Pagey.

The Guardian - Music

When I first met Thomas, he was terribly tired.

Independent

"That is when I first met Dr. Chalabi," Brooke said.

The New Yorker

"When I first met Coach Coughlin, it wasn't a dislike.

The New York Times

She was slipping away even when I first met her.

The New Yorker

"When I first met him, I couldn't stand him.

The New York Times - Sports

"When I first met him he was two stone overweight.

The Guardian - Sport

When I first met this man, I was frontline worker.

The Guardian

The summer of '92 was when I first met everyone.

The New Yorker

It was nighttime when I first met Madeline and Shana.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when I first met" to set the stage for a story or anecdote, providing context about your initial impressions or experiences with a person, place, or thing.

Common error

Avoid using "when I first met" to describe later interactions. This phrase specifically refers to the very first encounter, not subsequent meetings. For clarity, use other phrases like "later," "subsequently," or "afterwards" to describe following encounters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I first met" functions as an adverbial clause of time, providing context by specifying when a particular event occurred or a specific impression was formed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when I first met" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial clause used to set the stage for a story or share an initial impression. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it provides context by specifying the timing of an initial encounter. While versatile, writers should consider formality. Alternatives like "upon our initial meeting" may suit formal contexts better. Avoid misusing it for subsequent encounters. Remember, this phrase is about the very first meeting, as Ludwig's examples clearly show.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon our initial meeting

Emphasizes the formality and specific moment of the first meeting.

at our first encounter

Highlights the unexpected or chance nature of the first meeting.

the day we initially connected

Focuses on the beginning of a relationship or bond.

when our paths first crossed

Suggests a more metaphorical or destined meeting.

the first time I laid eyes on

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the first meeting.

on the occasion of our first meeting

Adds a formal tone, suitable for professional contexts.

the moment I was introduced to

Highlights the act of introduction as the start of the encounter.

as soon as I came into contact with

Focuses on the physical proximity and initial interaction.

the first instance of our acquaintance

Uses more formal language to refer to the beginning of a relationship.

initially upon meeting

Highlights what happened at the start of the meeting.

FAQs

How can I use "when I first met" in a sentence?

Use "when I first met" to introduce a past event or impression. For example, "When I first met her, she was working at the library."

What's a more formal alternative to "when I first met"?

For a more formal tone, consider "upon our initial meeting" or "at our first encounter". These phrases offer a slightly more elevated way to express the beginning of an acquaintance.

Is "when I first met" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "when I first met" may be too informal for strict academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "during our initial interaction" or "at the commencement of our acquaintance" in academic contexts.

Can "when I first met" be used to describe encounters with objects or places?

Yes, "when I first met" can describe your initial experience with objects or places, not just people. For example, "When I first met this city, I was immediately charmed by its architecture."