The difference between Meet and Get together
It’s Friday night and you have plans to have a drink with your friends.
So what expression do we use in English to explain that you will join with your friends at the bar at 10pm?
A. I will meet my friends at the bar.
B. I will get together with my friends at the bar.
C. I will meet up with my friends at the bar.
Correct answer: we use all three!
However there is a difference between sentence A and the other two (B and C).
Meet is normally used to say the place or the time you will get together with another person (or people).
- Let’s meet at the library.
- Let’s meet at 5 o’clock.
The other two (get together with and meet up with) both mean the same thing and expresses that you will spend some time with your friends in person.
Will you call your friends? No
Will you chat with your friends online? No
You will get together with your friends.
Many times, English learners say that they meet their friends on Friday night, which sounds like they are meeting (or knowing them) for the first time. (Not possible, you already know them otherwise they wouldn’t be your friends)
When you meet someone, it is usually for the first time.
That is why we say “Nice to meet you” the first time you are presented to someone.
You can meet a person for the first time OR
You can meet a person at a place
You can meet a person at a specific time
What they want to say is that they meet up with / get together with their friends.
Look at the response to this question: What do you normally do on the weekend?
- I meet my family (incorrect – you already know them)
- I get together with my family (correct – you plan to spend some time with them)
To meet = to reunite in a specific place (at a specific time)
- I can’t leave work early, so I’ll just meet you at the bar.
To meet = to be introduced to someone for the first time.
- Jack doesn’t want us to meet his girlfriend, so we don’t know if she’s real or imaginary.
To meet up = to make plans to be with someone in person
- Can we meet up tomorrow to go over the new contract?
To get together = to make plans to be with someone and to spend time with them
- I haven’t seen you for months! Let’s get together for coffee.
- Olivia and Paul get together with their children every Thanksgiving.
There is also a noun form of To get together:
Get-together = (noun) a small informal meeting or social gathering
- Let’s have a get-together at my place tonight.
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How often do you get together with your friends?
How did you meet your best friend?
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