in a meeting

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe someone who is actively participating in a formal or informal discussion with colleagues, clients, or partners. It usually implies that the person is currently unavailable to take phone calls, reply to emails, or be disturbed. The tone is neutral and standard for any office environment.

Examples

• I'm sorry, but Mr. Davis is in a meeting right now and cannot take your call.

  I'm sorry, but Mr. Davis is in a meeting right now and cannot take your call.

• We discussed the budget cuts while we were in a meeting this morning.

  We discussed the budget cuts while we were in a meeting this morning.

• Please do not disturb me between 2 PM and 4 PM as I will be in a meeting.

  Please do not disturb me between 2 PM and 4 PM as I will be in a meeting.

• She spends almost half of her working day sitting in a meeting.

  She spends almost half of her working day sitting in a meeting.

• I saw them in a meeting with the legal team earlier today.

  I saw them in a meeting with the legal team earlier today.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He is at a meeting right now in his office.

  ✓ He is in a meeting right now in his office.

  While 'at a meeting' can refer to the general location (e.g., 'at a town hall meeting'), 'in a meeting' is the standard phrase to show active participation and unavailability.

• ✗ I am inside a meeting right now.

  ✓ I am in a meeting right now.

  Do not use 'inside' to describe participating in a meeting; 'in' is the correct and natural preposition.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Could you please take a message? She is ___ at the moment.

  💡 Currently participating in a discussion and unavailable.

  Show answer

  in a meeting

• I was ___ with the marketing department when you called.

  💡 Engaged in a professional gathering or discussion.

  Show answer

  in a meeting