When I end a conversation with someone new – whether after a job interview, a Zoom call, or a casual chat with a client – I know that how I say goodbye is just as important as how I start. The phrase “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You” is one of the most frequently used phrases because it feels warm, polished, and genuine. After many years of working with different people, I’ve noticed that a thoughtful sign-off leaves a lasting impression. This can lead to a solid follow up or open a future opportunity. The phrase is not only grammatically correct but also appropriate in most situations where showing courtesy is key.
Sometimes, though, using alternatives sounds more natural. In more relaxed settings, you might say, “Great chatting with you,” while in formal ones, “It was an honor connecting” fits better. A good guide provides insight on the right tone, something I learned from a mentor who stressed the value of verbal etiquette. Over time, I gathered practical examples of how shifting phrasing can improve your grammar and communication clarity. Whether face-to-face or online, a few ready-to-use lines can turn a simple farewell into a strong professional touchpoint – and that’s what this article aims to help you master.
Is “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You” Grammatically Correct?
Yes, “It was a pleasure meeting you” is grammatically correct. It combines the past tense of “to be” (“was”) with a gerund (“meeting”) to describe a completed event.
Why It Works
- “It was” – simple past tense, indicating something that happened previously.
- “a pleasure” – noun phrase expressing enjoyment or satisfaction.
“meeting you” – gerund phrase functioning as the object of the noun “pleasure.”
Compare With:
| Phrase | Meaning | Grammatical Structure |
| It was a pleasure meeting you. | You enjoyed a past meeting. | Past tense + noun + gerund |
| It is a pleasure to meet you. | You’re currently enjoying the meeting. | Present tense + noun + infinitive |
| It was nice to meet you. | Informal alternative, also correct. | Past tense + adjective + infinitive |
So, grammatically and contextually, this phrase is both correct and widely acceptable.
When Should You Use This Phrase? (With Real Contexts)
Common Situations:
- Job interviews
- Business meetings or client calls
- Networking events
- Conferences and professional mixers
- New partnerships or collaborations
- Follow-up emails after a first meeting
Real-World Examples:
- After a sales call: “It was a pleasure meeting you today and learning about your business goals.”
- After a job interview: “Thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing the role.”
- At a networking event: “It was a pleasure meeting you – let’s keep in touch!”
Tone Matching: Why Context Determines the Phrase
Tone is everything in communication. Using “It was a pleasure meeting you” in the wrong setting may sound overly formal or emotionally distant.
Table: Matching Phrase to Situation
| Context | Recommended Tone | Best Phrase |
| Corporate email | Professional | “It was a pleasure meeting you and discussing opportunities.” |
| Casual coffee chat | Friendly | “Great meeting you – really enjoyed our talk!” |
| Conference follow-up | Warm and confident | “It was a pleasure meeting you at the event yesterday.” |
| Video call with international clients | Culturally neutral | “I appreciated our conversation – it was a pleasure connecting with you.” |
Tip: Adapt your tone by mirroring the communication style of the other person.
Formal vs. Informal Variations of the Phrase
Here’s how you can say the same thing differently depending on the setting.
Formal Variations
- “It was a pleasure making your acquaintance.”
- “I truly valued our conversation.”
- “I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with you.”
Informal Alternatives
- “Great meeting you!”
- “Nice chatting with you.”
- “Had a blast catching up!”
These alternatives help personalize the message and make it sound more natural.
How to Respond When Someone Says “It Was a Pleasure Meeting You”
Knowing how to gracefully respond to this expression is just as important.
Appropriate Responses:
- “The pleasure was mine.”
- “Likewise! It was great meeting you as well.”
- “I really enjoyed our conversation too.”
- “Thank you! I hope we can stay in touch.”
Example Scenario:
Email from client: “It was a pleasure meeting you and learning about your services.”
Your reply: “Likewise! I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your business needs – looking forward to our next steps.”
Saying More Than the Basics: Personalized Versions That Stand Out
Generic expressions are easy to ignore. But when you tailor your message, it becomes more memorable.
Examples:
- “It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing about your growth strategy.”
- “I truly enjoyed learning about your research in AI ethics.”
- “It was a pleasure meeting you and your advisory team – great energy!”
Why it matters: Personalization shows attention to detail, a valued trait in business and networking.
Using the Phrase in Email Sign-Offs & Follow-Ups
Follow-up emails are where this phrase shines – when used correctly.
Sample Follow-Up Email Template:
Subject: Great Connecting Today
Hi Sarah,
It was a pleasure meeting you earlier today. I appreciated your insights on the hiring process at [Company Name].
Please find attached the whitepaper we discussed. I’d love to stay connected and explore potential ways to collaborate in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Yes, it is absolutely correct to say “It was a pleasure meeting you.” But just because it’s correct doesn’t mean it should be your only phrase. Use it with purpose, personalize it to your context, and always match your tone to your audience.
Whether you’re emailing after a business pitch, thanking someone for an interview, or networking at a local conference, this phrase helps close the loop on a positive note – and opens the door for more meaningful future interactions.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say “It was a pleasure meeting you”?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses the simple past tense (“was”) and a gerund (“meeting”) to describe a completed action in the past. It’s widely accepted in both spoken and written English, especially in professional and polite conversation.
Can I say “It was a pleasure meeting you” in an email?
Absolutely. This phrase is often used in email sign-offs or follow-ups after meetings, interviews, or professional events. To make it more personal, add specific context, such as: “It was a pleasure meeting you today and discussing your team’s goals.” Just ensure the rest of the email matches the tone – friendly, professional, and clear.
What is the difference between “It was a pleasure meeting you” and “It is a pleasure to meet you”?
The key difference is tense:
- “It was a pleasure meeting you” is used after a meeting has occurred.
- “It is a pleasure to meet you” is used during or just before meeting someone, especially in introductions.
Both are correct, but they apply to different timing.
What’s a more casual alternative to “It was a pleasure meeting you”?
Here are some more relaxed ways to say it:
- “Great meeting you!”
- “Nice talking with you.”
- “Really enjoyed chatting with you.”
These are best for casual conversations, social settings, or informal networking events.
How do I respond when someone says “It was a pleasure meeting you”?
A warm and thoughtful reply might include:
- “The pleasure was mine!”
- “Likewise, I enjoyed our conversation.”
- “Thanks, I really appreciated our time together.”
Make your response genuine, and if appropriate, follow up with a next step like suggesting another meeting or continuing the conversation via email.
