Meeting someone new can be a big part of work life, and how you follow up with them in an email can really make a difference. Saying “Nice to meet you” is common, but there are many other ways to express this sentiment.
This article provides 11 alternatives to help you stand out and make a good impression. Each option comes with a short explanation, example, and when it’s best to use it.
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Is It Professional to Say “Nice to Meet You”?
Saying “nice to meet you” in an email is considered professional, formal or informal depending on the context, and is always seen as polite. This phrase is versatile and can be used in various situations, making it a great tool for initiating or acknowledging a new professional relationship.
The use of “nice to meet you” is suitable for emails to new colleagues, clients, or business contacts after a first meeting, phone call, or online interaction. It works well in emails, which are a common communication channel for professional interactions. The formality of the email can be adjusted based on the relationship with the recipient and the context of your meeting.
Here’s a short example of how to use “nice to meet you” in an email:
Hi John,I just wanted to take a moment to say it was nice to meet you at the conference yesterday. I really enjoyed our discussion on the latest industry trends and hope we can collaborate in the near future.Looking forward to staying in touch, Alex
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The pros and cons of using “nice to meet you” are as follows:
Pros:
- It’s a universally recognized phrase.
- Conveys politeness and appreciation.
- Appropriate for various professional settings.
Cons:
- Can be seen as overly formal in casual industries.
- Might feel clichéd or insincere if overused.
Someone might want to use an alternative phrase to “nice to meet you” to vary their language, avoid repetition, or adjust the level of formality. Finding a synonym or alternatives can also help personalize communication and make it stand out, especially in industries that value creativity or personal expression.
11 Other Ways to Say “Nice to Meet You” in an Email
Finding the right words to express your pleasure after a meeting can add a personal touch to your professional emails. Here are 11 alternatives to the classic “nice to meet you.”
- It was a pleasure meeting you
- Pleased to meet you
- It’s a pleasure to meet you
- Glad to have met you
- It was great connecting with you
- Happy to meet you
- Enjoyed meeting you
- Good to have met you
- Pleased to make your acquaintance
- Glad we had the chance to meet
- Delighted to make your acquaintance
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1. It was a pleasure meeting you
This phrase is a professional and polite alternative to “nice to meet you.” It adds a touch of formality and warmth to your message, making it perfect for emails after a first professional meeting or networking event. It’s especially suited for correspondents you wish to impress or show respect to, like potential clients or senior colleagues.
For example, after a formal meeting with a potential business partner, this phrase shows appreciation and sets a positive tone for future communications. It works well in emails, which are often the preferred medium for professional follow-ups.
Example:
Dear Mr. Smith,Thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing our potential collaboration. I look forward to our next steps.Best,Emily
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2. Pleased to meet you
This formal and polite synonym of “nice to meet you” is a bit more traditional. It works well in emails where you want to convey respect and a slightly formal tone. This alternative is suitable for communicating with new clients, higher-ups, or anyone in a more traditional industry.
In situations where you’re introducing yourself for the first time via email, or following up after a formal introduction, this phrase helps establish a respectful and professional tone. We recommend using it in more formal sectors, like finance or law.
Example:
Dear Professor Johnson,I enjoyed our discussion on your latest research. Pleased to meet you and I hope we can collaborate in the future.Warm regards,Tom
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3. It’s a pleasure to meet you
This phrase is both formal and polite, offering a slightly more personal touch than some of the more traditional alternatives. It’s ideal for emails to new colleagues or clients with whom you’ve had an enjoyable first interaction. This alternative is particularly effective in industries that value personal relationships, such as hospitality or customer service.
It suggests a genuine delight in the meeting, making it a great choice for emails where you want to emphasize the positive impact of your interaction. It’s recommended for messages where establishing a warm, professional relationship is key.
Example:
Dear Ms. Brown,Thank you for sharing your insights today. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I'm excited about the possibility of working together.Sincerely,Jack
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4. Glad to have met you
This phrase is informal yet polite, making it a great alternative for less formal emails or with individuals you’ve established a friendly rapport with. It’s perfect for follow-up emails after casual meetings, industry networking events, or informal introductions.
It’s best used in situations where the tone of the relationship is friendly and open. This alternative conveys a sense of warmth and personal connection, making it suitable for industries that thrive on personal interactions, like creative fields or startups.
Email example:
Hi Jordan,It was great talking about potential collaborations. Glad to have met you and looking forward to what comes next.Cheers,Mia
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5. It was great connecting with you
This informal yet professional phrase is perfect for expressing enthusiasm about the meeting. It’s suitable for new contacts you’ve made in a relaxed setting, like a conference or networking event, and when the conversation has been particularly engaging or promising.
This alternative is ideal for industries that value innovation and collaboration, such as technology or design. It conveys both appreciation for the meeting and excitement for future possibilities, making it a great choice for emails that aim to foster a collaborative relationship.
Example:
Hey Alex,Just wanted to say it was great connecting with you at the expo. I'm really excited about your ideas and hope we can explore them further.Best,Liam
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6. Happy to meet you
This informal but polite phrase brings a cheerful tone to your emails. It’s a great fit for messages to people you’ve met in more laid-back settings or when you’re looking to keep the mood light and friendly. This phrase is especially good for emails within industries that are less traditional or more youth-oriented, like startups or creative fields.
It suggests a genuine pleasure in the meeting, making it ideal for follow-up emails after an enjoyable encounter. This alternative helps to create a friendly atmosphere for future interactions.
Email example:
Hi Jamie,I really enjoyed our chat over coffee. Happy to meet you and learn about your projects. Let's keep in touch!Best wishes,Olivia
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7. Enjoyed meeting you
This informal and polite alternative is perfect for expressing your enjoyment of the meeting in a sincere and heartfelt way. It’s suitable for emails to new acquaintances from conferences, workshops, or social networking events where the interaction was particularly pleasant or engaging.
This phrase is well-suited for messages that aim to strengthen a newly formed connection by reflecting on the positive experience of the meeting. We recommend using it in creative or social sectors, where personal connections are key.
Example:
Hello Clara,Thanks for the insightful conversation yesterday. Enjoyed meeting you and discussing our shared interests. Hoping we can collaborate soon.Regards,Ethan
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8. Good to have met you
This informal yet polite phrase is another great way to express that you’re pleased about the meeting. It’s suitable for emails following less formal meetings or when you’ve had a brief but meaningful exchange. This alternative is perfect for casual professional encounters, such as informal networking events or brief introductions at workshops.
It implies a positive but relaxed interaction, making it ideal for follow-up emails that aim to keep the door open for future communications without implying too formal of a relationship.
Email sample:
Hi Marco,Had a great time discussing potential projects with you. Good to have met you, and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.Cheers,Sophia
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9. Pleased to make your acquaintance
This formal and polite phrase is a sophisticated alternative to “nice to meet you.” It’s particularly well-suited for first-time communications with high-level professionals or in industries that value traditional formalities, such as law, finance, or higher education.
This alternative helps to establish a professional tone right from the start, showing respect and courtesy towards the recipient. It’s recommended for emails where a formal tone is essential to making a good first impression.
Example:
Dear Dr. Reynolds,I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss your recent work. Pleased to make your acquaintance and I hope we can engage in further discussions.Sincerely,Nora
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10. Glad we had the chance to meet
This informal yet polite alternative conveys a sense of fortunate timing or opportunity in meeting. It’s great for follow-up emails after unexpected or serendipitous meetings, such as running into someone at a conference or a last-minute addition to a meeting. This phrase is well-suited for industries where chance encounters can lead to valuable connections, like creative industries or tech startups.
It expresses a casual but sincere appreciation for the meeting, making it a good choice for emails aiming to turn a chance meeting into a longer-term connection or collaboration.
Example:
Hey Sam,Really glad we had the chance to meet at the event yesterday. Glad we had the chance to meet and talk about our work. Let's plan a follow-up soon.All the best,Derek
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11. Delighted to make your acquaintance
This formal and polite phrase is an elegant way to express your happiness about meeting someone new. It’s especially appropriate for emails to new contacts in highly professional or traditional fields, or when you want to convey a high level of respect and appreciation. This alternative is perfect for initiating contact with senior professionals, academics, or in formal business settings.
Using this phrase sets a respectful and esteemed tone for your correspondence, indicating that you value the opportunity to connect and are looking forward to future interactions.
Example:
Dear Ambassador Lee,It was an honor to attend your lecture yesterday. Delighted to make your acquaintance and I eagerly anticipate the possibility of further dialogue.With respect,Amelia
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right words to follow up after meeting someone new can strengthen your professional relationships. The 11 alternatives to “nice to meet you” we’ve shared are just the start. Each one can help your email stand out, whether you’re keeping it casual or aiming for a more formal tone. By matching the phrase to the situation and your recipient, you can communicate effectively and leave a lasting positive impression.
