If you need to tell someone that you have not met before, “I don’t believe we’ve met” and “I don’t think we’ve been introduced” are usually the most natural choices. Other phrases can sound warmer, more formal, or more specific about whether you have spoken remotely before.
Choose the Phrase for “We Have Not Met” to Match the Situation
- I don’t believe we’ve met
- I don’t think we’ve met before
- We haven’t met yet
- I don’t think we’ve been introduced
- We haven’t been introduced
- I don’t believe we’ve been introduced
- This is our first time meeting
- I believe this is our first meeting
- We haven’t had a chance to meet
- I don’t think we’ve crossed paths before
- I don’t believe we’ve spoken before
- We’ve never met in person
- We’ve only communicated remotely
- I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure
I don’t believe we’ve met
Polite and natural in professional or social introductions.
Example: Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met — I’m Daniel from finance.
I don’t think we’ve met before
A slightly more conversational version that leaves room for the possibility that you have forgotten.
Example: I don’t think we’ve met before; are you new to the team?
We haven’t met yet
Friendly and positive, especially when you already know of the other person.
Example: We haven’t met yet, but I’ve heard a lot about your project.
I don’t think we’ve been introduced
Best when you are in the same setting but no formal introduction has happened.
Example: I don’t think we’ve been introduced — I’m Priya.
We haven’t been introduced
A direct statement that suits meetings, events, and professional settings.
Example: We haven’t been introduced, but I work with Sam on the policy team.
I don’t believe we’ve been introduced
Polite and slightly more formal than “we haven’t been introduced.”
Example: I don’t believe we’ve been introduced; my name is Marcus Lee.
This is our first time meeting
Clear when you want to state explicitly that the interaction is the first one.
Example: This is our first time meeting, although we’ve exchanged several emails.
I believe this is our first meeting
A formal option for professional conversations or online meetings.
Example: I believe this is our first meeting, so perhaps I should briefly introduce myself.
We haven’t had a chance to meet
Warm wording that suggests the meeting simply has not happened until now.
Example: We haven’t had a chance to meet, but I’ve seen your name on the project updates.
I don’t think we’ve crossed paths before
Conversational and useful at conferences, workplaces, or social events.
Example: I don’t think we’ve crossed paths before — which team are you with?
I don’t believe we’ve spoken before
Use this when you mean there has been no previous conversation, not merely no face-to-face meeting.
Example: I don’t believe we’ve spoken before, so let me introduce myself.
We’ve never met in person
Useful when you have emailed, messaged, or spoken online but have not met face to face.
Example: We’ve never met in person, although we’ve been on several calls together.
We’ve only communicated remotely
Specific wording when previous contact has been by email, chat, or video rather than in person.
Example: We’ve only communicated remotely, so it’s nice to finally meet you.
I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure
A polished, somewhat formal phrase often followed by an introduction.
Example: I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure — I’m Eleanor.
Avoid Overly Formal Wording
Phrases such as “we remain unacquainted” or “we have not made acquaintance” are grammatical but rarely sound natural in modern conversation. A simple “I don’t believe we’ve met” is usually better.