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by JkJacky on July 20th, 2005

JkJacky

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Is there any difference between the two sentences "I met my friend" and "I met with my friend" ?

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  • by Scoundral on July 22nd, 2005

    Scoundral

    [Just a forenote: If you are new to English it should be mentioned that English conversationalism requires either of these statements (while both technically correct) to include more information, vis-r-vis prepositions. Hence why all my examples will include them, because either of the sentences alone do not express a complete thought.]

    They are both interchangible in some contexts, but they do have differant meanings. Knowing which meaning is intended is something that can hardly be taught, as it's all in practice with the language. But interchangible as they may be, here are the differances in meaning (when they apply). Many times a speaker will throw in "first met" or "met for the first time" to clarify things. English-speakers love using extra modifiers when they are not technically necessary [see the question on "First" vs. "First ever"]. Better safe than sorry when it comes to being understood. :P

    "I met <person>"implies that it was a first time thing. "I met my friend at the carnival" is telling the listener that it is where the two of you first met eachother.

    "Met with" (or "met up with") shows that it was a rendezvous with someone you already are in contact with. "I met up with Bob at the carnival" is telling the listener that it happened recently.

    Comments

    • Interesting informative answer, thanks. I would have previously thought for eg "I met my friend at the zoo" would have meant I ran into her briefly, in passing, and we went our seperate ways, while also thinking that "I met with my friend at the zoo" would have meant we arranged to meet there, with our kids, spend some time together, picnic and chat etc. Grammar is confusing and difficult at times!

      teresaschultz

      by teresaschultz on June 26th, 2009

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