Introducing strangers to each other

Posted By Manjusha, Filed in English Speaking

There are a number of phrases that are commonly used to introduce strangers.

• Anne, do you know Mary? (introducing Mary to Anne.)
• Mary, this is my friend Anne. (introducing Anne to Mary.)
• John, I don't think you have met Sally. (introducing Sally to John.)
• I don't think you two know each other, do you? (introducing two strangers to each other.)
• Gautam, meet my friend Arjun. (introducing Arjun to Gautam.)
• John, I don't think you've met Peter.
• I don't think you know Alice
• May I introduce you to Mary?
• Mary, do you know Jane?
• Peter, I'd like you to meet John.
• Friends, can I introduce Mr John? (formal)

When you are introduced to somebody, you usually say How do you do? Americans often say How are you? This is formal. In an informal style you can say Hello or Hi.

Note that How do you do? is not a question, and the normal reply is How do you do? People who are introduced often shake hands.

You may introduce yourself saying My name is … or I am …

• My name is Manju. OR I am Manju.

Example conversation

Here is a short introductory conversation:

John (to Peter): Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter (to Mary): How do you do?
Mary (to Peter): How do you do.
John (to Peter): Mary is my cousin.

When somebody is introduced to you, it is also common to greet that person with It's a pleasure to meet you or Pleased to meet you.

John: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter (to Mary): It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary (to Peter): How do you do.
John: Mary is my cousin.

John: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter (to Mary): How do you do?
Mary (to Peter): Pleased to meet you.
John: Mary is my cousin.

In informal situations, introductions are often made simply saying: This is (name). It is also common to just say Hi or Hello as a response in this informal setting.

John: Peter, this is Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
John: Mary is my cousin.

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