when we first met

USAGE SUMMARY

"when we first met" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression that typically precedes the recounting of a story or experience. Example: When we first met, I knew our relationship would be something special.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sehgal said, "Especially when we first met, Dorothea was formative.

The New Yorker

"When can you start?" he asked when we first met.

The New York Times

When we first met he had his hair somewhat longer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When we first met, he could see I was nervous.

The Guardian - Music

It was the breath we took when we first met.

The Guardian - Books

When we first met you were so kind.

The New York Times - Books

Itamar When we first met, it was quite loose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Helfand: We talked a lot about it when we first met.

Yale University

His signed epigraph reverses what we understood him to be when we first met him.

Princeton University

That summer of 1966 when we first met, Samuel Jonathan Dornsife was fifty years old.

University of Pennsylvania

"We were pretending to be doctors," Desai, who is 35, told me when we first met.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we first met" to introduce anecdotes or stories about initial encounters, providing context and setting the stage for further details.

Common error

Avoid using "when we first met" without providing sufficient context. Clearly establish who "we" refers to and the general setting of the initial meeting to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we first met" functions as an adverbial clause of time, providing the temporal context for the main clause in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it's frequently used to introduce narratives or reflections about initial encounters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when we first met" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial clause used to introduce stories or reflections about initial encounters. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media and academic writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. The phrase is best used to set the scene and provide context for a narrative, while avoiding vagueness by clearly defining who "we" refers to. Alternative phrases like "at our first meeting" or "upon our initial acquaintance" can be used to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at our first meeting

Focuses on the event of the first meeting rather than the time.

the day we encountered each other

Emphasizes the specific day of the first meeting.

when we were initially introduced

Highlights the act of being introduced.

upon our initial acquaintance

A more formal way to describe the start of a relationship.

at the outset of our acquaintance

A formal way of referring to the beginning of a relationship.

the first time our paths crossed

A more metaphorical way to describe meeting someone for the first time.

from the moment we connected

Emphasizes the feeling of connection upon first meeting.

when our relationship began

Focuses on the start of a relationship, not just the first meeting.

when we were strangers

Focuses on the fact that you didn't know each other before you first met.

the first time we laid eyes on each other

A more dramatic or romantic way of describing the first meeting.

FAQs

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

You can use "when we first met" to introduce a story or a memory about your first encounter with someone. For example: "When we first met, I was immediately struck by her confidence."

What can I say instead of "when we first met"?

You can use alternatives like "at our first meeting", "upon our initial acquaintance", or "the day we encountered each other" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "when we first met"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "when we first met". It functions as an adverbial clause, setting the time frame for the main clause.

What's the difference between "when we first met" and "the first time we met"?

Both phrases are very similar. "When we first met" is slightly more common and versatile, while "the first time we met" emphasizes the event of the meeting itself. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.