When you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s important to express yourself in a way that’s respectful, friendly, and clear. Below are 35 ways you can say “We have not met” that are more nuanced and appropriate for a variety of situations.
While “We have not met” is a common phrase, there are many alternatives that can sound more personal or engaging.
What Does “We Have Not Met” Mean?
“We have not met” is a simple and direct way of saying that you and the other person haven’t previously encountered each other in person. It’s often used in formal or polite conversations when introducing yourself to someone. The phrase implies that while you may have heard of each other or interacted in other ways, you have not shared a face-to-face meeting yet.
When to Use “We Have Not Met”
You would typically use “We have not met” when meeting someone for the first time, whether in a professional setting, at a social event, or in casual situations. It helps to clarify that you and the other person have not had previous direct interaction, offering a natural way to introduce yourself.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “We Have Not Met”?
Yes, saying “We have not met” is perfectly polite and professional when used in the right context. It’s a neutral, clear way of letting someone know that you’re not familiar with them. However, be mindful of the tone; it’s best to follow up with a friendly introduction to maintain a positive interaction.
Pros or Cons of Using “We Have Not Met”
Pros:
- It’s simple and direct, leaving no room for confusion.
- It’s universally understood and works in most situations.
- It allows you to smoothly transition into an introduction.
Cons:
- It can sound a little too formal or blunt in some settings.
- May feel a bit impersonal in situations where warmth is preferred.
We Have Not Met Synonyms:
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Had the Pleasure of Meeting”
- “I’m Not Sure We’ve Crossed Paths Before”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Been Introduced”
- “It’s Nice to Meet You, I Don’t Think We’ve Met Before”
- “I Don’t Recall Us Meeting Before”
- “I’m New to the Team, I Think We Haven’t Met”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Been in the Same Room Before”
- “I’m Sure We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
- “I Think We Haven’t Been Introduced Yet”
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Met in Person Before”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Crossed Paths Until Now”
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Had the Chance to Meet”
- “I Think We’ve Missed Each Other So Far”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Had an Introduction Yet”
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Met Before, Have We?”
- “We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
- “It Seems We’ve Never Met Before”
- “I’m Sure We Haven’t Met Yet”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Chance to Meet Yet”
- “We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Crossing Paths Until Now”
- “I Believe We Haven’t Met Yet”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Opportunity to Meet”
- “It Looks Like We Haven’t Met Yet”
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Encountered Each Other Before”
- “I Think We’ve Yet to Meet”
- “I Believe This Is Our First Meeting”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Chance to Meet Yet, Have We?”
- “I Don’t Recall Us Meeting Yet”
- “I Believe We Haven’t Crossed Paths Before”
- “It Seems We Haven’t Had a Chance to Meet”
- “I Don’t Believe We’ve Met in Person Yet”
- “I Think This Is the First Time We’ve Met”
- “We Haven’t Had the Opportunity to Meet Yet”
- “I Think We’ve Just Missed Each Other”
- “I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Had the Pleasure of Meeting”
Meaning:
This is a polite, formal way to express that you haven’t met someone yet.
Explanation:
It’s often used in business or formal introductions.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting; I’m John.”
Best Use:
In professional settings or when making a first introduction.
Worst Use:
In casual situations with friends or acquaintances.
Tone:
Polite, formal.
“I’m Not Sure We’ve Crossed Paths Before”
Meaning:
A slightly informal way of saying you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
It softens the statement and can feel more friendly.
Example:
“I’m not sure we’ve crossed paths before; I’m Sarah.”
Best Use:
At a social event or casual work setting.
Worst Use:
In formal or highly professional situations.
Tone:
Friendly, casual.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Been Introduced”
Meaning:
A direct yet polite way of acknowledging you haven’t met.
Explanation:
It implies that the introduction hasn’t happened yet.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve been introduced; I’m Mike.”
Best Use:
In professional or semi-formal settings.
Worst Use:
In informal situations where it may sound too stiff.
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“It’s Nice to Meet You, I Don’t Think We’ve Met Before”
Meaning:
A polite and friendly way to introduce yourself.
Explanation:
It conveys that you’re pleased to meet the person despite not having met previously.
Example:
“It’s nice to meet you, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Emily.”
Best Use:
In business or casual settings.
Worst Use:
In formal, high-stakes meetings.
Tone:
Warm, friendly.
“I Don’t Recall Us Meeting Before”
Meaning:
A softer way to say you haven’t met someone.
Explanation:
It suggests that while you don’t remember meeting, it’s still possible that you have.
Example:
“I don’t recall us meeting before; my name is Mark.”
Best Use:
When you want to be polite without implying they should remember you.
Worst Use:
In situations where you want to sound more certain.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“I’m New to the Team, I Think We Haven’t Met”
Meaning:
A casual way to say you haven’t met, often used in work settings.
Explanation:
It acknowledges that you are new and haven’t had the chance to meet yet.
Example:
“I’m new to the team, I think we haven’t met yet nice to meet you!”
Best Use:
In a workplace setting, especially when meeting colleagues for the first time.
Worst Use:
When it’s unclear whether the person is truly new.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Been in the Same Room Before”
Meaning:
A light, slightly humorous way of saying you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
This adds a touch of humor and makes the introduction feel less formal.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve been in the same room before. I’m Jack.”
Best Use:
At social gatherings or casual business events.
Worst Use:
In very formal or high-pressure situations.
Tone:
Casual, slightly humorous.
“I’m Sure We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
Meaning:
A polite, somewhat formal way to express that you haven’t met yet.
Explanation:
This phrase adds an extra layer of courtesy by indicating that meeting would be a “pleasure.”
Example:
“I’m sure we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’m Alice.”
Best Use:
In professional networking or formal events.
Worst Use:
In informal settings where it might sound too stiff.
Tone:
Courteous, formal.
“I Think We Haven’t Been Introduced Yet”
Meaning:
A direct but warm way of saying you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
This focuses on the fact that introductions haven’t taken place.
Example:
“I think we haven’t been introduced yet. I’m Tony.”
Best Use:
In a professional or semi-formal setting.
Worst Use:
In overly casual settings or with close acquaintances.
Tone:
Polite, straightforward.
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Met in Person Before”
Meaning:
A polite and somewhat formal way of acknowledging that you haven’t met yet.
Explanation:
This phrase is particularly useful when you’ve had prior contact through other means, such as email or phone.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve met in person before; it’s great to finally meet you!”
Best Use:
In professional meetings or events where you’ve had prior interactions.
Worst Use:
When you’ve never had any prior communication with the person.
Tone😐
Formal, respectful.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Crossed Paths Until Now”
Meaning:
A slightly more casual way of indicating that you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
This phrase gives a nod to the possibility that you’ve passed each other in some way without actually meeting.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve crossed paths until now, I’m Steve.”
Best Use:
At a social gathering or informal event.
Worst Use:
In professional settings where you want to keep it formal.
Tone:
Casual, light.
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Had the Chance to Meet”
Meaning:
This phrase implies that you’ve had opportunities to meet but just haven’t yet.
Explanation:
It’s a warm and slightly informal way to acknowledge that an introduction hasn’t occurred yet.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve had the chance to meet—nice to finally meet you!”
Best Use:
In professional or social situations where introductions are happening.
Worst Use:
In more formal situations where brevity is appreciated.
Tone:
Friendly, conversational.
“I Think We’ve Missed Each Other So Far”
Meaning:
This phrase suggests that while you may have had the chance to meet, you simply haven’t had the right timing.
Explanation:
It’s a light-hearted way of saying you haven’t met, acknowledging the possibility that you’ve come close to an introduction.
Example:
“I think we’ve missed each other so far—nice to finally meet you!”
Best Use:
In social situations or when meeting someone after hearing about them.
Worst Use:
In a formal business meeting where you want to maintain a more serious tone.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Had an Introduction Yet”
Meaning:
A polite, formal way of acknowledging that you’ve not been formally introduced.
Explanation:
It focuses on the fact that the formal introduction hasn’t happened yet.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve had an introduction yet. I’m Rachel, by the way.”
Best Use:
In business or semi-formal environments when you haven’t been formally introduced.
Worst Use:
In a very casual environment where a more informal approach is expected.
Tone:
Formal, courteous.
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Met Before, Have We?”
Meaning:
A gentle way of suggesting that you haven’t met, but leaving room for the other person to correct you.
Explanation:
The phrasing makes the introduction feel more conversational and gives the other person the chance to offer their perspective.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve met before, have we? I’m Greg.”
Best Use:
In casual settings, especially when you’re uncertain but want to be polite.
Worst Use:
In more formal situations where a more direct approach is appropriate.
Tone:
Casual, open.
“We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
Meaning:
A polite way to indicate you haven’t met while implying you are looking forward to the encounter.
Explanation:
It emphasizes the expectation of the meeting being enjoyable or meaningful.
Example:
“We haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’m Lisa.”
Best Use:
In professional settings or networking events.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal situations where the formality may feel out of place.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“It Seems We’ve Never Met Before”
Meaning:
A straightforward way of acknowledging that you haven’t crossed paths before.
Explanation:
This phrase is simple and to the point, without adding extra formality or warmth.
Example:
“It seems we’ve never met before. I’m David, nice to meet you.”
Best Use:
When you want to keep the introduction direct and simple.
Worst Use:
In situations where you want to sound warmer or more engaging.
Tone:
Neutral, direct.
“I’m Sure We Haven’t Met Yet”
Meaning:
A slightly less formal alternative to say that you haven’t met, but leave the door open for any prior connection.
Explanation:
It’s a little more relaxed than saying “I don’t think we’ve met,” while still being polite.
Example:
“I’m sure we haven’t met yet. I’m Amanda, by the way.”
Best Use:
In both professional and social settings where you’re not sure about previous meetings.
Worst Use:
When you want to ensure the tone remains formal.
Tone:
Friendly, polite.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Chance to Meet Yet”
Meaning:
A friendly way to express that you haven’t met and also acknowledge the possibility that time has simply not permitted it.
Explanation:
It adds a sense of missed opportunity, making the introduction feel more natural.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve had the chance to meet yet. I’m Mike, by the way.”
Best Use:
When you’re meeting someone after hearing their name or interacting in other ways.
Worst Use:
In very formal contexts where brevity and formality are needed.
Tone:
Warm, conversational.
“We Haven’t Had the Pleasure of Crossing Paths Until Now”
Meaning:
A slightly more formal but still friendly way of acknowledging that you haven’t met yet.
Explanation:
It suggests that the meeting is a welcomed opportunity, adding a polite tone.
Example:
“We haven’t had the pleasure of crossing paths until now. It’s great to meet you!”
Best Use:
In business networking or formal settings where a respectful tone is key.
Worst Use:
In casual settings where a more laid-back approach is preferred.
Tone:
Formal, polite.
“I Believe We Haven’t Met Yet”
Meaning:
A simple and polite way to express that you have not met.
Explanation:
It’s direct, but the tone remains courteous.
Example:
“I believe we haven’t met yet. I’m Tom, it’s nice to meet you.”
Best Use:
In business meetings, conferences, or situations where brevity is appreciated.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal environments where a more relaxed tone is preferred.
Tone:
Professional, straightforward.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Opportunity to Meet”
Meaning:
This phrase acknowledges that the lack of a meeting was due to opportunity rather than choice.
Explanation:
It’s a polite way to express that circumstances simply haven’t led to an introduction.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve had the opportunity to meet yet. I’m Emily, nice to meet you.”
Best Use:
In professional or formal settings.
Worst Use:
In casual settings where a more informal approach is expected.
Tone:
Polite, respectful.
“It Looks Like We Haven’t Met Yet”
Meaning:
A casual, slightly informal way of saying you haven’t met.
Explanation:
It’s a more relaxed expression for when you meet someone for the first time.
Example:
“It looks like we haven’t met yet, I’m John.”
Best Use:
In casual, friendly settings.
Worst Use:
In formal business or highly professional environments.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Encountered Each Other Before”
Meaning:
A slightly more formal way of expressing that you have not met.
Explanation:
The word “encountered” adds a formal tone while still keeping the message clear.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve encountered each other before. I’m Laura.”
Best Use:
In business or formal networking situations.
Worst Use:
In casual or informal gatherings.
Tone:
Formal, polite.
“I Think We’ve Yet to Meet”
Meaning:
A gentle and casual way to acknowledge that you have not met before.
Explanation:
This alternative is more subtle and soft, avoiding directness while still communicating the point.
Example:
“I think we’ve yet to meet, I’m Robert.”
Best Use:
In casual or semi-professional settings.
Worst Use:
In situations that require directness or formality.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“I Believe This Is Our First Meeting”
Meaning:
A straightforward and polite way to express that the two of you have not met before.
Explanation:
This phrase is formal but maintains a clear and respectful tone.
Example:
“I believe this is our first meeting, I’m Alice. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Best Use:
In formal business settings or during professional networking events.
Worst Use:
In informal settings where a less rigid phrase would feel more natural.
Tone:
Formal, polite.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Chance to Meet Yet, Have We?”
Meaning:
A casual, slightly questioning way of suggesting that you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
This phrasing invites the other person to clarify if they remember meeting you, making it a more open-ended expression.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve had the chance to meet yet, have we? I’m Paul.”
Best Use:
In casual, laid-back environments or when you’re unsure if you’ve crossed paths before.
Worst Use:
In very formal contexts where a direct statement would be better.
Tone:
Casual, conversational.
“I Don’t Recall Us Meeting Yet”
Meaning:
A polite way to express that you don’t remember meeting someone but acknowledge that it might have happened.
Explanation:
This alternative shows humility and allows room for the other person to correct you, if necessary.
Example:
“I don’t recall us meeting yet, I’m Rachel.”
Best Use:
In casual and professional settings where you may have interacted in some way but don’t recall meeting.
Worst Use:
In formal settings where you want to sound certain and direct.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“I Believe We Haven’t Crossed Paths Before”
Meaning:
A polite way of suggesting that you haven’t met yet, possibly in a work or social setting.
Explanation:
This phrase can also imply that you may have heard of each other or seen each other in passing.
Example:
“I believe we haven’t crossed paths before, I’m Sam.”
Best Use:
In professional settings, especially when networking.
Worst Use:
In casual settings where a more relaxed phrase would be better.
Tone:
Professional, courteous.
“It Seems We Haven’t Had a Chance to Meet”
Meaning:
A friendly way of suggesting that you’ve simply not had the opportunity to meet yet.
Explanation:
This phrase is a soft and warm way of acknowledging the lack of an introduction.
Example:
“It seems we haven’t had a chance to meet. I’m Karen, it’s great to finally meet you.”
Best Use:
In informal or semi-formal settings where the tone should be friendly.
Worst Use:
In very formal or high-pressure environments where brevity is more effective.
Tone:
Friendly, warm.
“I Don’t Believe We’ve Met in Person Yet”
Meaning:
This indicates that while you may have interacted in other ways (e.g., over email or phone), you have not met face-to-face.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful for situations where you’ve communicated through other channels but haven’t had the chance for an in-person introduction.
Example:
“I don’t believe we’ve met in person yet, I’m Laura.”
Best Use:
In business environments, especially for people who have only interacted remotely.
Worst Use:
In casual settings, where you can simply say “We haven’t met yet.”
Tone:
Professional, polite.
“I Think This Is the First Time We’ve Met”
Meaning:
A simple and clear way to indicate that you haven’t met before.
Explanation:
This is an easy-going, neutral way to acknowledge that you’re meeting someone for the first time.
Example:
“I think this is the first time we’ve met, I’m Tom.”
Best Use:
In any setting, when you just want to confirm that this is your first meeting.
Worst Use:
In situations where you want to sound more formal or respectful.
Tone:
Neutral, straightforward.
“We Haven’t Had the Opportunity to Meet Yet”
Meaning:
This phrase suggests that time has not allowed for an introduction, but it’s not due to a lack of interest.
Explanation:
It gives a softer explanation for not having met, implying that circumstances simply haven’t allowed it.
Example:
“We haven’t had the opportunity to meet yet, I’m Sarah.”
Best Use:
In professional settings where you may have missed previous opportunities to meet someone.
Worst Use:
In informal situations where it may seem unnecessarily formal.
Tone:
Polite, thoughtful.
“I Think We’ve Just Missed Each Other”
Meaning😐
A casual and light-hearted way to acknowledge that you haven’t met before, but that it could have happened if circumstances were different.
Explanation:
This phrase adds a bit of humor and warmth to the introduction.
Example:
“I think we’ve just missed each other. I’m Kelly, it’s nice to finally meet you.”
Best Use:
At social events or gatherings where you may have been in the same place at different times.
Worst Use:
In professional settings where a more serious tone is necessary.
Tone:
Casual, humorous.
“I Don’t Think We’ve Had the Pleasure of Meeting Yet”
Meaning:
A warm, formal alternative to say you haven’t met before while implying that meeting would be an enjoyable experience.
Explanation:
This phrase adds a positive tone to the introduction and highlights the anticipation of a meaningful connection.
Example:
“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet. I’m Jessica.”
Best Use:
In formal or professional settings where you want to express respect and warmth.
Worst Use:
In very casual situations where a more straightforward approach would feel more appropriate.
Tone:
Formal, respectful, warm.
Conclusion
By tailoring your language to the context, you can ensure your first impression is a positive one. From casual settings to formal introductions, these 35 alternatives offer a range of expressions to suit every situation.
Expressing “We have not met” in more creative and thoughtful ways helps you start conversations on the right foot, making you sound polite, friendly, and professional.
