Learn English – Is “haven’t met the friend” correct in British English

phrase-usage

The discussion in comments to Tyler James Young's answer to this question Which is correct: 'haven't done since' or 'haven't done for'? deserves to be asked as a separate question.

Is the following phrase usage correct in British English (and incorrect in American English)?

I haven't met my friend for a year.

The point of contention here is the use of met when referring to a meeting which is not the first one.

Best Answer

From Tristan's answer, and comments thereto, it seems there's a range of opinions. So here's my take...

1: I met John yesterday (we became acquainted/were introduced for the first time)
2: I met with John yesterday (we had a meeting/discussion by arrangement)
3: I met up with John yesterday (we came across one another unexpectedly)

The bracketed supplementaries are my default interpretations in the absence of any other context, but it's important to note that #1 (by far the most common form) can be used with all three senses. Also, not everyone will recognise my distinction between #2 and #3 (but neither would normally be used in the first time sense).

Thus I would unhesitatingly say that in OP's context, seen is the better verb.

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