We have met at . . .

Question

Hi Teachers!I know that if I met someone at a party (one event) and I see him later, I say: "Hi. Remember me? We met at John's party".But let's say John has held many parties, and we kept on meeting each other at these parties.Can I say: "Hi. Remember me? We have met at John's parties." or "Hi. Remember me? We have met a few times at John's."Because this is not a single event but multiple occasions?Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

anonymousCan I say: "Hi. Remember me? We have met at John's parties." or "Hi. Remember me? We have met a few times at John's."

Yes.

anonymousBecause this is not a single event but multiple occasions?

Yes.

If you use 'met' without qualifying it with a number of times (We met at John's), the strongest implication is that it was the first time you met each other, i.e., introduced yourselves to each other, or the first time you were introduced to each other.

If you qualify it with a number of times (We met at John's several times), it can suggest that you purposely arranged to meet there on several occasions.

If you use 'have met' to mean 'met once for the first time' (We've met at John's), it's a bit anomalous because it suggests a specific occasion or time when you met, which is not compatible with the use of the present perfect tense.

If you use 'have met' with a qualifier that shows multiple meetings (We've met at John's a few times), it's fine because that doesn't highlight any specific occasion.

CJ

We have met at . . .

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