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'met up with' and 'met'

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Tilly2 | 22:28 Tue 13th Nov 2012 | Phrases & Sayings
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I had an interesting period of time today with a student who could/would not see the superfluousness of 'met up with' over 'met'.

Just out of interest, do you see a difference between the two?
I was trying to point out that 'met' is perfectly acceptable. and 'met up with' is two words too many.
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Found it.
I can't be there with you; but please just peer over; don't jump- we need you on here
19:56 Thu 15th Nov 2012
Isn't 'period of time' two words too many?
:0)
exactly what are you saying about too many words
Interesting Tilly. I probably can see a subtle difference in meaning of 'to meet' and 'to meet up with' but I doubt your student would innit.
Whilst from a purely linguistic point of view I would agree with you, nevertheless "met up with" implies some kind of prior arrangement, unlike "met" which suggest an accidental encounter.
To me "met' implies an chance unplanned meeting whereas "met up with" implies a planned meeting.
plautus, are you me???
There is a nuanced difference between "met" and "met up with".

Generally speaking "met up with" implies an arranged meeting, whereas "met" is much more vague.

"I was out shopping and met a woman I knew"
"We all met up for a barbecue on the beach".
"Met up with" suggests a pre-arranged meeting whereas "met" could be just to meet by chance.
Blimey, there were no other answers when I started typing!
Now should be superfluity? :-) xx
These echoes are positively frightening!
Anyone else up for a pre-arranged meeting?
We are all so clever!
Question Author
My term 'period of time' distinguishes between the period, i.e, the lesson, and the ten minutes we spent discussing the two items.

We did not spend 'the period' discussing this point.
I agree with all of the above.
blimey, a thread on AB where everyone agrees.
Lol!
So...you spent time today telling a student that ' to meet someone' and to 'meet up with someone' mean the same thing.
Not quite all Woof.....
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Yes, I did Charity, sort of.
If it were not a natural expression no one would say it. The fact that people do is demonstrative of a special meaning.

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