Meeting someone new—whether at a conference, interview, or social gathering—often ends with polite words. One phrase you’ll hear often is “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
But have you ever paused to wonder: Is it actually correct to say that?
Let’s unpack this phrase from every angle—grammar, tone, etiquette, and even how to respond when someone says it to you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how and when to use it naturally and professionally.
Understanding the Importance of This Phrase
First impressions matter. The way you close a conversation says a lot about your manners and communication skills.
“It was a pleasure meeting you” is a polite, refined way to show warmth and respect. It adds a touch of professionalism and friendliness—qualities that can make people remember you positively.
Here’s why it works so well:
- It expresses gratitude and goodwill.
- It’s universally accepted across professional and casual settings.
- It sounds natural and genuine when used with sincerity.
As communication expert Dale Carnegie once said:
“A person’s name is to that person the sweetest sound in any language.”
Likewise, your closing words are what people remember most. The right phrase leaves a lasting impression.
Grammar Breakdown: Why “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You” Is Correct
Let’s break down the structure grammatically.
| Component | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It was | Linking verb (past tense) | It was amazing. |
| a pleasure | Predicate noun | A pleasure = a pleasant experience |
| meeting you | Gerund phrase acting as a noun | Meeting = the act of meeting |
So grammatically, it’s completely correct.
“Meeting you” acts as the object of the noun “pleasure,” and “It was” links the subject and predicate.
Difference Between “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You” and “It Was a Pleasure to Meet You”
Both are grammatically correct but slightly different in tone:
| Phrase | Tone | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| It was a pleasure meeting you | Warmer, conversational | Suitable for casual or semi-formal settings |
| It was a pleasure to meet you | Slightly more formal, polished | Ideal for business meetings or interviews |
👉 Tip: Use “meeting you” when you’ve already met someone, and “to meet you” when referring to the event of meeting.
Formal vs. Informal Usage: Choosing the Right Tone
Choosing between formal and informal expressions depends on where and to whom you’re speaking.
In Formal Settings:
Use this phrase to convey respect and professionalism.
Examples:
- “It was a pleasure meeting you at the networking dinner.”
- “It was a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Harrison. I appreciate your insights.”
When to use:
- Job interviews
- Business introductions
- Client meetings
- Corporate events
In Informal or Friendly Settings:
You can sound warmer and less rigid.
Examples:
- “It was a pleasure meeting you! Let’s grab coffee soon.”
- “Really nice meeting you—hope we cross paths again.”
When to use:
- Social gatherings
- Friends-of-friends introductions
- Online meetups or group projects
Professional Etiquette: Using It in Emails and Follow-Ups
Polite follow-ups can strengthen professional relationships. Whether you’ve just met a client, attended an interview, or finished a collaboration, this phrase fits beautifully in an email.
âś… Example 1: After a Job Interview
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday and learning more about the team’s projects. I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
âś… Example 2: After a Business Meeting
Subject: Great Meeting You Today
Hello [Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing our potential collaboration. I look forward to exploring how we can move forward.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
âś… Example 3: Networking Follow-Up
“It was a pleasure meeting you at the conference. I appreciated your insights on digital marketing trends and would love to stay connected on LinkedIn.”
Pro tip: Always personalize your message. Mention something specific from your meeting to sound genuine.
Polished Alternatives to “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
Sometimes variety keeps your communication fresh. Here are several alternatives depending on tone and context.
| Tone | Alternative Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | “It was an honor to meet you.” | Used with senior professionals or clients. |
| Warm | “I truly enjoyed our conversation.” | Ideal for colleagues or mentors. |
| Casual | “Great meeting you!” | Friendly, upbeat tone. |
| Neutral Professional | “I appreciated the opportunity to connect.” | Safe for follow-up emails. |
| Team Context | “It was a pleasure meeting you and your team.” | Excellent after group meetings. |
Remember: Matching tone with occasion is key.
Too formal in a casual chat feels stiff, while too casual in business can seem unprofessional.
How to Respond When Someone Says “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
The best responses balance appreciation and friendliness.
Common Replies:
- “The pleasure was mine.”
- “Likewise, I really enjoyed meeting you.”
- “Thank you, I felt the same!”
- “I appreciate that—looking forward to working with you.”
Mini Dialogue Example:
Person A: It was a pleasure meeting you!
Person B: Likewise, I had a great time discussing the project. Let’s stay in touch.
💡 Pro Tip: Mirror the sender’s tone. If they’re formal, stay formal. If they’re friendly, respond warmly.
Adding Context for Personalization
Adding a time or place reference makes your phrase sound more thoughtful.
Examples:
- “It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the seminar.”
- “It was a pleasure meeting you at the book signing last night.”
- “It was a pleasure meeting you in New York last week.”
Why it matters:
- Personalization shows attention to detail.
- It helps the recipient recall the meeting context.
- It makes your message sound authentic and human.
Beyond the First Meeting: Following Up Gracefully
After using “It was a pleasure meeting you,” keep the connection alive. People appreciate follow-ups—it shows professionalism and genuine interest.
How to Reconnect After Meeting:
- Send a thank-you email within 24–48 hours.
- Connect on LinkedIn with a short personalized note.
- Reference your conversation in future communication.
- Invite collaboration if relevant (e.g., “I’d love to discuss that idea further.”)
Example Follow-Up Message:
“It was a pleasure meeting you during last week’s conference. I enjoyed our discussion on AI trends and would love to share a few insights that might interest you.”
Benefits of Following Up:
- Builds trust and rapport.
- Keeps your name top-of-mind.
- Opens doors for collaboration.
Common Grammar and Usage Pitfalls
To sound polished, avoid these small but common mistakes when using polite closings.
1. Gerund vs. Infinitive Confusion
- Correct: It was a pleasure meeting you.
- Also correct: It was a pleasure to meet you.
- Avoid: It was pleasure meet you ❌
2. Comma Splices
Don’t link independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction.
Incorrect: It was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope we meet again.
Correct: It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we meet again.
3. Prepositions
Learn correct forms of common prepositions:
- Inquire about = to ask for information.
- Inquire into = to investigate.
- Inquire of = to ask someone directly.
4. Overused Phrases
Avoid sounding robotic with overused endings like:
- “Best regards,” repeated everywhere.
- “Please revert back” (redundant—just say “revert”).
Use fresh alternatives: “Warm regards,” “Kind wishes,” or “Sincerely.”
5. Similar Grammar Nuances
Here are quick notes on related topics that help improve professional English:
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Agreed upon | Something mutually decided | “The plan we agreed upon last week.” |
| To which | Formal relative clause | “The proposal to which you referred.” |
| Restrictive modifier | Limits meaning of a noun | “Students who study hard succeed.” |
These nuances elevate your writing and make it sound natural to native speakers.
Case Study: How This Phrase Enhances Professional Image
Let’s consider two short scenarios.
Case 1: The Job Interview Follow-Up
Candidate A:
“It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday. I’m very interested in the position and confident I can contribute effectively.”
Candidate B:
“Thanks for meeting me. Hope to hear from you soon.”
Who sounds more professional? Candidate A—because the phrase conveys warmth and professionalism without arrogance.
Case 2: Networking at a Business Conference
Participant 1:
“It was a pleasure meeting you at the fintech panel.”
Participant 2:
“Same here! I’ll email you my presentation slides.”
Result: The tone is polite, cooperative, and memorable—building credibility and connections.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Recommended Phrase | Level of Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Job Interview | “It was a pleasure to meet you.” | High |
| Networking Event | “It was a pleasure meeting you.” | Medium |
| Casual Meetup | “Great meeting you!” | Low |
| Email Follow-Up | “I appreciated meeting you yesterday.” | Medium |
| Client Introduction | “It was an honor to meet you.” | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between “It was a pleasure meeting you” and “Nice to meet you”?
“Nice to meet you” is informal and used during introductions. “It was a pleasure meeting you” is past tense—used after the meeting ends or in follow-ups.
Can I say “It was pleasure meeting you” without the “a”?
No. The correct form includes “a.” The article “a” modifies the noun “pleasure.”
Is “It was a pleasure to meet you” more formal?
Yes. It sounds slightly more polished and is preferred in business or official contexts.
How do I respond politely to “It was a pleasure meeting you”?
You can say, “Likewise,” or “The pleasure was mine.” Always respond warmly and acknowledge the sentiment.
Is this phrase suitable for email closings?
Absolutely. It fits perfectly in thank-you notes, interview follow-ups, and professional introductions.
Conclusion
Saying “It was a pleasure meeting you” isn’t just correct—it’s a mark of emotional intelligence and respect. It bridges formality with friendliness, making it one of the most versatile closing lines in English communication.
Whether you’re meeting a recruiter, a potential partner, or a new friend, this phrase leaves people with a positive impression of who you are—polite, thoughtful, and professional.
So next time you end a conversation or send a follow-up email, don’t overthink it. Just say it with sincerity:
“It was a pleasure meeting you.”
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️