The phrase “we have not met” is simple, clear, and grammatically correct. English learners often use it when speaking to someone for the first time, especially in emails or formal settings.
However, using the same phrase again and again can sound flat, overly direct, or slightly awkward—especially in professional or social situations where tone matters.
That is why learning alternative expressions is so important. Word choice shapes how polite, warm, confident, or professional you sound.
In business emails, the wrong wording may feel cold. In casual talk, it may sound stiff. In academic or formal writing, it may feel too plain.
Compare this quickly:
Formal: “I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
Informal: “I don’t think we’ve met yet.”
Both mean the same thing, but the tone feels very different. This guide will help you choose the right phrase for the right moment, with clear explanations, examples, and usage tips.
What Does “We Have Not Met” Mean?
Meaning (simple definition):
It means you and the other person have never met in person before.
Grammar form:
Present perfect verb phrase (“have not met”)
Subject + auxiliary verb + past participle
Similar expressions:
- We haven’t met before
- We don’t know each other yet
Opposite idea:
- We’ve met before
- We already know each other
Example sentences:
- “Hello, I’m Sarah. We have not met before.”
- “I believe we have not met, so let me introduce myself.”
When to Use “We Have Not Met”
Spoken English
Used when introducing yourself politely to someone new.
Business English
Common in first-time meetings, calls, or professional introductions.
Emails and messages
Often used at the start of a formal or semi-formal email.
Social media
Less common; can sound too formal unless softened.
Academic writing
Rare, but acceptable in formal correspondence.
Professional meetings
Useful when acknowledging a first interaction respectfully.
Is “We Have Not Met” Polite or Professional?
This phrase is polite and neutral, but slightly formal.
- Polite: Yes
- Neutral: Yes
- Soft: Somewhat
- Strong: No
- Formal: Mildly formal
- Informal: Not really
Etiquette tip:
It is fine in the workplace, but in friendly corporate emails, softer options sound more natural. Avoid using it alone without warmth in cold outreach.
Pros & Cons of Using “We Have Not Met”
✔ Pros:
- Clear and correct
- Easy for beginners
- Polite and safe
- Universally understood
✘ Cons:
- Sounds stiff in casual talk
- Feels distant in friendly emails
- Lacks warmth or personality
Quick Alternatives List (For Busy Readers)
- I don’t believe we’ve met
- I don’t think we’ve met before
- We haven’t met yet
- We haven’t had the chance to meet
- I believe this is our first meeting
- We haven’t been introduced
- I don’t think we’ve crossed paths
- I don’t think we’ve met in person
- We’re meeting for the first time
- This is our first interaction
- We haven’t connected before
- We’re not acquainted yet
- I don’t recall meeting you before
- I believe we’re yet to meet
- I think this is our first time speaking
- We’re new to each other
I Don’t Believe We’ve Met
Meaning:
A polite way to say you have not met before.
Explanation:
This phrase sounds thoughtful and respectful. It gives space for correction if you are mistaken.
Grammar Note:
Formal verb phrase
Example Sentence:
“I don’t believe we’ve met, but I’ve heard great things about your work.”
Best Use:
Formal, workplace, professional emails
Worst Use:
Very casual chats with friends
Tone:
Polite, professional
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
9/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use this when you want to sound respectful and careful.
I Don’t Think We’ve Met Before
Meaning:
A gentle and natural way to say you are meeting someone for the first time.
Explanation:
Softer than the original phrase. Very common in spoken English.
Grammar Note:
Verb phrase with hedge (“I don’t think”)
Example Sentence:
“I don’t think we’ve met before—nice to meet you.”
Best Use:
Spoken English, semi-formal settings
Worst Use:
Very formal legal or academic writing
Tone:
Friendly, neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
9/10
Replaceability Tip:
Perfect for first-time conversations.
We Haven’t Met Yet
Meaning:
You have not met up to now.
Explanation:
Short, natural, and friendly. Feels less formal.
Grammar Note:
Present perfect negative
Example Sentence:
“We haven’t met yet, but I’m glad we’re talking now.”
Best Use:
Emails, casual work chats
Worst Use:
Strict corporate or legal emails
Tone:
Friendly
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when you want warmth and ease.
We Haven’t Been Introduced
Meaning:
No formal introduction has happened.
Explanation:
Suggests politeness and social structure.
Grammar Note:
Passive voice phrase
Example Sentence:
“I don’t think we’ve been introduced.”
Best Use:
Formal meetings, networking events
Worst Use:
Text messages
Tone:
Formal, polite
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Good when introductions matter socially.
I Believe This Is Our First Meeting
Meaning:
States clearly that this is the first time meeting.
Explanation:
Professional and confident.
Grammar Note:
Formal declarative sentence
Example Sentence:
“I believe this is our first meeting, so thank you for your time.”
Best Use:
Business meetings, presentations
Worst Use:
Casual conversation
Tone:
Professional
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
8/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use in structured business settings.
We Haven’t Had the Chance to Meet
Meaning:
You haven’t met due to circumstances.
Explanation:
Adds warmth and removes blame.
Grammar Note:
Idiomatic verb phrase
Example Sentence:
“We haven’t had the chance to meet until now.”
Best Use:
Emails, networking
Worst Use:
Very short messages
Tone:
Soft, polite
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Good when time or distance caused the delay.
I Don’t Recall Meeting You Before
Meaning:
You don’t remember meeting them.
Explanation:
Careful phrasing to avoid offense.
Grammar Note:
Formal verb phrase
Example Sentence:
“I don’t recall meeting you before, but it’s a pleasure.”
Best Use:
Professional settings
Worst Use:
Casual talk (can sound cold)
Tone:
Formal, cautious
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when unsure about past contact.
We’re Meeting for the First Time
Meaning:
States the situation directly.
Explanation:
Clear and neutral.
Grammar Note:
Present continuous
Example Sentence:
“We’re meeting for the first time today.”
Best Use:
Meetings, introductions
Worst Use:
Written academic work
Tone:
Neutral
Level:
Beginner
Similarity Score:
7/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use when clarity matters more than tone.
We’re Not Acquainted Yet
Meaning:
You don’t know each other.
Explanation:
Formal and slightly old-fashioned.
Grammar Note:
Adjective phrase
Example Sentence:
“We’re not acquainted yet, but I look forward to working together.”
Best Use:
Formal writing
Worst Use:
Casual speech
Tone:
Formal
Level:
Advanced
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use in polished professional writing.
I Don’t Think We’ve Crossed Paths
Meaning:
You haven’t met or interacted.
Explanation:
More idiomatic and friendly.
Grammar Note:
Idiomatic expression
Example Sentence:
“I don’t think we’ve crossed paths before.”
Best Use:
Casual or semi-formal speech
Worst Use:
Very formal documents
Tone:
Friendly
Level:
Intermediate
Similarity Score:
6/10
Replaceability Tip:
Use for relaxed professionalism.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal conversation:
“Good morning. I don’t believe we’ve met before. I’m Daniel from HR.”
Informal conversation:
“Hey! I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Alex.”
Business email style:
“Hello Ms. Carter,
I believe this is our first interaction, so I wanted to introduce myself.”
Mistakes to Avoid (Common Learner Errors)
- Saying “We did not met” instead of “have not met”
- Using very formal phrases in casual chat
- Sounding too direct without politeness
- Overusing one phrase repeatedly
- Mixing tenses incorrectly
- Forgetting greetings before the phrase
Cultural & Tone Tips
In US English, softer phrases like “I don’t think we’ve met” feel natural.
In UK English, polite hedging (“I don’t believe…”) is preferred.
In casual social English, shorter and warmer expressions sound best.
Native speakers care more about tone than grammar perfection.
Comparison Table of Best Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I don’t believe we’ve met | Polite | Emails | High | “I don’t believe we’ve met before.” |
| We haven’t met yet | Friendly | Chat | Medium | “We haven’t met yet.” |
| We haven’t been introduced | Formal | Networking | High | “We haven’t been introduced.” |
| I don’t think we’ve met | Neutral | Speech | Medium | “I don’t think we’ve met.” |
| This is our first meeting | Professional | Business | High | “This is our first meeting.” |
FAQs
Is “we have not met” rude?
No. It is polite, but can sound stiff.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, especially formal emails.
What is the most formal alternative?
“We haven’t been introduced.”
What is the most polite alternative?
“I don’t believe we’ve met.”
What should beginners use?
“I don’t think we’ve met before.”
Can I use these in spoken English?
Yes, many are more natural in speech.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “we have not met” helps you sound natural, confident, and fluent. The right phrase can make conversations smoother, emails warmer, and professional interactions more respectful.
Instead of repeating one sentence, choose expressions that match the situation, tone, and relationship. Practice these alternatives in real conversations, emails, and introductions.
Over time, your English will feel more natural—and more human.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.