find or meet with

While you were in NYC, you didn't find John. OK - you went looking for him, but didn't find him.

While you were in NYC, you didn't meet with John. OK - you may have found John and spoken to him on the telephone, but you didn't meet. (Maybe he was busy!)

I failed miserably. How do you express the idea that a person doesn't even attempt to contact a friend who lives in the city he's visiting?

No you didn't fail miserably - I just didn't pick up your intended meaning.

While you were in NYC, you didn't even bother to meet with John(?) - option to use as a question

With the right intonation when spoken it can sound quite damning.

Thanks, Optilang. That's what I wanted to say. Find is not the right word to use, right?

New2grammarThanks, Optilang. That's what I wanted to say. Find is not the right word to use, right?

1) .......you didn't even bother to find John. - You didn't take the trouble to go looking for him.

2) .......you didn't even bother to meet with John. - You didn't take the trouble to meet with him, you may have contacted and s

Yes. the second one. Thanks, Optilang.

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New2grammarThanks, Optilang. That's what I wanted to say. Find is not the right word to use, right?

You should use any of the following ways, not just write Find.

Find is not the right word to use, right?

Find is not the right word to use, right?

'Find' is not the right word to use, right?

Bes

Thanks, Yoong Liat. I'll keep that in mind. I really appreciate it!