The language used in introductions or farewells can be powerful, shaping memories and impressions. In fact, “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You” reflects how even simple phrases carry surprising weight in business, networking, and personal exchanges. A grammatically correct line doesn’t just sound polished, it feels genuine, not rehearsed. Over time, I’ve seen how adding warmth and the right words can build stronger connections than a formal handshake ever could.
This comprehensive guide also explores the phrase’s meaning, grammar, variations, and etiquette, while providing practical advice you truly need. Knowing when and how to use it makes your conversations more effective and professional. From my own experience, adding a personal touch to this phrase transformed routine chats into lasting moments, proving that genuine language carries far more value than any script.
Understanding the Phrase: “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
At its core, “It was a pleasure meeting you” is a warm and courteous way to express appreciation after meeting someone. It’s a blend of professionalism and friendliness, making it suitable for everything from a job interview to a casual coffee meetup.
The phrase reflects:
- Gratitude for the interaction
- Positive sentiment about the person
- Closure to the meeting
Why It Matters
Using this phrase shows emotional intelligence. It tells the other person you valued their time and presence, helping to build rapport and long-term connections.
Is It Grammatically Correct to Say “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”?
Yes, it’s completely grammatically correct. Let’s break it down:
| Phrase Part | Explanation |
| It was | Simple past tense verb (shows a completed action) |
| a pleasure | Noun phrase expressing enjoyment |
| meeting you | Gerund phrase (verb acting as noun) |
✍️ Correct Form: “It was a pleasure meeting you.” ❌ Incorrect Form: “It was a pleasure to meeting you.”
Why Not “To Meeting You”?
The word “to” must be followed by the base verb: “to meet”, not “to meeting.” That’s a common error among non-native speakers.
When and Where to Use the Phrase Appropriately
This phrase is versatile, but not universal. It shines in specific moments:
In Business:
- After interviews
- During onboarding
- Post-meeting follow-ups
- Client relationship building
In Personal Encounters:
- At networking events
- After meeting friends of friends
- First dates or introductions
Online/Virtual:
- Following video calls (Zoom, Teams)
- Post-webinar interactions
- Email responses
Tone Matters: Matching Your Words to the Occasion
A phrase can fall flat if the tone doesn’t match the context. Consider these examples:
| Scenario | Appropriate Tone |
| CEO to a new hire | “It was a pleasure meeting you. Welcome aboard.” |
| Colleague at a networking event | “Great connecting! Let’s stay in touch.” |
| Post-job interview email | “It was truly a pleasure meeting you today.” |
| Casual coffee chat | “Nice meeting you! Had a great time.” |
Tone = Intent + Language. Always match your words to the setting and relationship.
Professional Alternatives to “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
If you’re writing or speaking in a formal environment, consider these alternatives:
| Formal Phrase | Best Use Case |
| “It was a privilege meeting you.” | Senior executives, dignitaries |
| “I truly valued our time together.” | Partnership discussions |
| “Thank you for the insightful meeting.” | Business development or consulting |
| “I appreciated the opportunity to meet.” | Job interviews, corporate settings |
Informal and Friendly Variations for Casual Conversations
When you’re not in a suit, your language should reflect it. Try these:
- “Great meeting you!”
- “Had a blast chatting.”
- “Awesome catching up.”
- “Let’s do this again soon.”
These versions sound human – not robotic.
How to Reply When Someone Says “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
You don’t need a script, but here are some natural replies:
In Person:
- “Likewise!”
- “The pleasure was mine.”
- “Thanks! I enjoyed our chat.”
In Writing:
- “Thank you! I felt the same way.”
- “It was lovely meeting you as well.”
- “I look forward to staying in touch.”
🧠 Tip: Always mirror the tone. Formal to formal, informal to informal.
Using the Phrase in Writing: Emails, Letters, and Messages
This phrase is a go-to sign-off in emails. Here’s how to integrate it.
Template: Job Interview Follow-up
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CopyEdit
Dear [Name],
Thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure meeting you and learning more about the [Position] at [Company].
I’m excited about the opportunity and look forward to the next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template: Networking Event Follow-up
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CopyEdit
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [Event]. I appreciated our conversation about [Topic]. Let’s definitely keep the momentum going!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Extending the Phrase: Variations with Added Context
Tailoring your message makes it more memorable. Try these:
| Phrase Variation | When to Use |
| “It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday.” | To add a timeline |
| “It was a pleasure finally meeting you in person.” | After online-first relationships |
| “It was a pleasure meeting you and your team.” | After client or team meetings |
| “It was a pleasure meeting you again.” | For recurring encounters |
Customizing makes it more human and specific.
Building Relationships: What Comes After the Pleasantries
A well-placed phrase is only the beginning. Strengthen the bond with action:
- Send a LinkedIn connection request
- Follow up with a personalized email
- Share an article or resource you discussed
- Invite them to an upcoming event
🤝 Example: “Pleasure meeting you at the fintech summit. Here’s that data set I mentioned!”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Watch out for these missteps:
- Sounding too scripted (“It was a pleasure meeting you.” – copy/paste from a template)
- Using it in every email (Be original)
- Mismatched tone (Too formal with a friend = awkward)
- Incorrect grammar (“To meeting you” ❌)
Keep it authentic and grammatically clean.
Non-Native Speakers: Tips for Polishing Professional Language
English has quirks. If you’re learning it, keep this in mind:
Common Mistakes
- “It was pleasure meeting you.” ❌ (missing “a”)
- “It was nice to meeting you.” ❌ (incorrect verb form)
Fixes
- Read professional emails from top companies
- Use tools like Grammarly to refine tone and grammar
- Practice aloud to hear how natural it sounds
🌍 In many cultures, such expressions aren’t common. But in English-speaking business settings, they’re expected.
Etiquette Insights: Is It Always the Right Thing to Say?
Not always.
When Not to Use It:
- When the meeting went poorly or felt awkward
- When the person was dismissive or disrespectful
- In overly casual settings where it may sound forced
Sometimes, a simple “Thanks for your time” does the job better.
🧠 Think before you speak. Is gratitude the right message here?
Replacements and Alternatives for “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
Sometimes variation is key. Here’s a handy table:
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
| “Nice to meet you.” | General or casual setting |
| “Great connecting with you.” | Networking or social platforms |
| “Enjoyed our chat.” | Light, personal conversation |
| “Thanks for the introduction.” | Group meetings or team huddles |
| “I appreciated the chance to speak.” | Panels, interviews, sales pitches |
Table: Comparison of Formal vs. Informal Closing Lines
| Tone | Formal | Informal |
| Polite | “It was a pleasure meeting you.” | “Nice meeting you!” |
| Grateful | “I appreciated your insights.” | “Thanks for the chat!” |
| Warm | “I enjoyed learning more about your work.” | “Let’s stay in touch.” |
| Direct | “I look forward to working with you.” | “Catch you soon!” |
Real-World Examples: Professional Templates You Can Use
After a Job Interview
“It was a pleasure meeting you today and learning more about the team and culture. I’m excited about the next steps.”
After a Client Meeting
“Thanks for your time this morning. It was a pleasure meeting you and your team. I believe we can build something valuable together.”
After a Networking Event
“Great meeting you at the UX meetup! I really enjoyed our talk about usability testing. Let’s grab coffee soon.”
Final Thoughts
Saying “It was a pleasure meeting you” is more than just a polite formality – it’s a tool that reflects professionalism, warmth, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re leaving a job interview, finishing a business meeting, or wrapping up a social encounter, this simple phrase can build rapport, leave a positive impression, and open doors to future relationships.
The key is in how and when you use it. Match your tone to the occasion, personalize it when possible, and always ensure it sounds sincere. In professional settings, this phrase can be a powerful closer to an email or in-person conversation. In casual contexts, a lighter variation might be more appropriate.
Understanding the grammar behind it, knowing when to use variations, and being mindful of your audience and intent ensures your communication sounds authentic – not robotic.
FAQs
Is “It was a pleasure meeting you” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. It combines a past-tense structure (“it was”) with a gerund phrase (“meeting you”), making it both natural and professional in tone.
Can I say “It was a pleasure to meet you” instead?
Yes, “It was a pleasure to meet you” is also correct. While “meeting you” emphasizes the entire experience, “to meet you” often sounds slightly more formal. Both are acceptable in professional and social contexts.
Is it too formal to say in a casual setting?
Not necessarily. It depends on your tone and body language. In casual settings, a simpler variation like “Nice meeting you” or “Great to meet you” might sound more relaxed and natural.
How do I respond when someone says this to me?
You can say “Likewise,” “The pleasure was mine,” or “Thank you! I enjoyed meeting you too.” Keep your response genuine and tone-matching – formal with formal, casual with casual.
Should I use this phrase in every business email?
No. Overusing the phrase can sound repetitive. Use it when it’s truly appropriate – like after a first meeting or interview. Rotate with other phrases like “I appreciated our conversation” or “Thank you for your time.”
