Elevating Introductions: Other Ways to Say “Nice to Connect With You”

In the realm of professional and social interactions, the phrase “Nice to connect with you” serves as a common and polite greeting. However, relying solely on this phrase can lead to monotony and a missed opportunity to make a more impactful first impression.

Expanding your repertoire of introductory phrases not only demonstrates linguistic versatility but also allows you to tailor your greeting to the specific context and your relationship with the other person. This article delves into a variety of alternative expressions, exploring their nuances, appropriate usage, and the subtle differences in conveying enthusiasm, respect, and genuine interest.

Mastering these alternatives enhances your communication skills and fosters more meaningful connections.

This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners, professionals aiming to refine their communication skills, and anyone seeking to enhance their social interactions. By understanding the subtle differences between these phrases and practicing their application, you can significantly improve your ability to create positive and lasting impressions.

We will explore various categories of phrases, provide numerous examples in different contexts, and offer practical exercises to solidify your understanding.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Definition and Context
  3. Structural Breakdown
  4. Categories of Alternative Phrases
  5. Examples
  6. Usage Rules
  7. Common Mistakes
  8. Practice Exercises
  9. Advanced Topics
  10. FAQ
  11. Conclusion

Definition and Context

The phrase “Nice to connect with you” is a polite and generally applicable greeting used when meeting someone for the first time, either in person or virtually. It expresses a positive sentiment about the interaction and establishes a friendly tone.

The word “nice” conveys pleasantness, while “connect” implies establishing a relationship or link. Understanding the context in which this phrase is used is crucial for choosing appropriate alternatives.

This phrase is typically used in initial interactions, such as meeting someone at a networking event, starting a business meeting, or connecting with someone on social media. It is generally considered appropriate in both formal and informal settings, although its level of formality leans slightly towards the informal side.

However, in very formal situations, more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred. The key is to consider your audience, the setting, and the purpose of the interaction when selecting the most suitable greeting.

The function of this phrase goes beyond mere politeness; it also serves to initiate a conversation and create a sense of rapport. By expressing a positive sentiment upfront, you set the stage for a more engaging and productive interaction.

Understanding the underlying purpose of the phrase allows you to choose alternatives that not only convey the same meaning but also enhance the overall impact of your greeting. For instance, you might choose a phrase that emphasizes your shared interests or expresses your anticipation for future collaborations.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of “Nice to connect with you” consists of three key components:

  1. Adjective: “Nice” – This adjective describes the feeling or sentiment associated with the connection.
  2. Infinitive Phrase: “to connect” – This phrase indicates the action of forming a relationship or link.
  3. Prepositional Phrase: “with you” – This phrase specifies the person with whom the connection is being made.

Understanding this structure allows us to deconstruct the phrase and identify elements that can be modified to create alternatives. For example, we can replace the adjective “nice” with other adjectives such as “pleased,” “delighted,” or “happy.” We can also modify the infinitive phrase to emphasize different aspects of the connection, such as “to meet you,” “to speak with you,” or “to collaborate with you.” The prepositional phrase remains relatively constant, as it directly refers to the person being addressed.

Furthermore, we can alter the sentence structure to create more complex and nuanced greetings. For instance, instead of a simple declarative statement, we can use an interrogative structure, such as “It’s a pleasure to be connecting with you, isn’t it?” This adds a touch of informality and invites a response from the other person.

Alternatively, we can use a more emphatic structure, such as “I’m absolutely thrilled to be connecting with you,” to convey a stronger sense of enthusiasm.

By manipulating these structural elements, we can create a wide range of alternative phrases that retain the core meaning of “Nice to connect with you” while adding our own personal touch. This allows us to tailor our greetings to specific situations and express our sentiments more effectively.

The following sections will explore different categories of alternative phrases and provide examples of how these structural variations can be applied in practice.

Categories of Alternative Phrases

To better understand the diverse range of alternatives, we can categorize them based on the tone and context in which they are most appropriate.

Enthusiastic Greetings

These phrases convey a strong sense of excitement and positive energy. They are suitable for situations where you want to express genuine enthusiasm about meeting or connecting with someone.

These phrases often use more emphatic adjectives and adverbs to amplify the positive sentiment. An enthusiastic greeting can be particularly effective in informal settings or when connecting with someone who shares your passions or interests.

Formal Greetings

Formal greetings are characterized by their politeness and respectfulness. They are appropriate for professional settings, interactions with senior figures, or situations where maintaining a certain level of decorum is important.

These phrases often use more sophisticated vocabulary and avoid contractions or colloquialisms. A formal greeting demonstrates professionalism and respect for the other person’s position or status.

Casual Greetings

Casual greetings are relaxed and informal, suitable for interactions with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances in relaxed settings. These phrases often use contractions, colloquialisms, and a more conversational tone.

A casual greeting helps to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and ease.

Context-Specific Greetings

These phrases are tailored to specific situations or purposes. They might reference a shared connection, express anticipation for a future collaboration, or acknowledge a particular achievement.

Context-specific greetings demonstrate that you have taken the time to understand the situation and personalize your greeting accordingly. This can be particularly effective in building rapport and demonstrating genuine interest.

Examples

The following sections provide examples of alternative phrases categorized by tone and context. Each table contains a variety of options, ranging from simple variations to more complex and nuanced expressions.

These examples will help you to expand your vocabulary and develop a better understanding of how to choose the most appropriate greeting for different situations.

Enthusiastic Examples

The table below presents a variety of enthusiastic alternatives to “Nice to connect with you.” These phrases convey a strong sense of excitement and positive energy, making them suitable for informal settings or when connecting with someone who shares your passions.

Enthusiastic Alternative Example Sentence
Thrilled to connect with you! I’m thrilled to connect with you and learn more about your work.
So excited to be connecting! So excited to be connecting! I’ve heard great things about your presentation.
Absolutely delighted to connect! Absolutely delighted to connect! Your insights on the industry are invaluable.
Fantastic to connect with you! Fantastic to connect with you! I’ve been looking forward to this meeting.
Super excited to meet you! Super excited to meet you! I’ve been following your work for a while now.
I’m so stoked to connect! I’m so stoked to connect! Let’s brainstorm some ideas together.
Pumped to be connecting! I’m pumped to be connecting! This project is going to be amazing.
Over the moon to connect with you! I’m over the moon to connect with you! Your work is truly inspiring.
Can’t wait to connect! Can’t wait to connect! Let’s grab coffee sometime soon.
Looking forward to connecting! Looking forward to connecting! I think we have a lot to discuss.
It’s awesome to connect with you! It’s awesome to connect with you! I’m a big fan of your podcast.
So glad to be connecting! So glad to be connecting! I’ve been wanting to reach out for ages.
Really happy to connect! Really happy to connect! I think we can learn a lot from each other.
Ecstatic to connect with you! Ecstatic to connect with you! It’s an honor to be speaking with you.
Buzzing to be connecting! Buzzing to be connecting! I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this.
Delighted to be in touch! I am delighted to be in touch! Let’s schedule a call soon.
Super happy to be in contact! I am super happy to be in contact! Looking forward to our collaboration.
Great to finally connect! Great to finally connect! I have been following your journey closely.
So pleased we’re connected! So pleased we’re connected! This could be the start of something great.
Wonderful to have this connection! Wonderful to have this connection! I value your insights greatly.
Overjoyed to be making this connection! I’m overjoyed to be making this connection! I have heard great things about you.
Absolutely thrilled to be getting in touch! I’m absolutely thrilled to be getting in touch! I think we have much in common.
Very excited to be establishing contact! I’m very excited to be establishing contact! Let’s explore potential partnerships.
Beyond happy to be reaching out! I am beyond happy to be reaching out! I have been impressed by your work.
Incredibly pleased to be linking up with you! I’m incredibly pleased to be linking up with you! I believe our skills complement each other well.
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Formal Examples

The following table provides formal alternatives to “Nice to connect with you,” suitable for professional settings or interactions with senior figures. These phrases emphasize respect and politeness.

Formal Alternative Example Sentence
It’s a pleasure to connect with you. It’s a pleasure to connect with you, Mr. Smith.
I am pleased to be connecting with you. I am pleased to be connecting with you regarding the upcoming conference.
I am delighted to make your acquaintance. I am delighted to make your acquaintance; your reputation precedes you.
It is an honor to connect with you. It is an honor to connect with you, Dr. Jones.
I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and discuss potential collaborations.
I am grateful for the chance to connect with you. I am grateful for the chance to connect with you; your insights are highly valued.
Honored to be in touch. I am honored to be in touch and to discuss this further.
It’s a privilege to connect. It’s a privilege to connect and learn from your experience.
I am thankful for this connection. I am thankful for this connection and the potential it holds.
Permit me to express my pleasure in connecting with you. Permit me to express my pleasure in connecting with you on this matter.
I am most pleased to be in contact. I am most pleased to be in contact and to explore the possibilities.
It is my pleasure to be in communication. It is my pleasure to be in communication and to assist you further.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to converse with you. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to converse with you on this important topic.
I am truly honored to have established this connection. I am truly honored to have established this connection with such a distinguished professional.
It is with great respect that I connect with you. It is with great respect that I connect with you and look forward to future discussions.
I find it a great pleasure to be connecting. I find it a great pleasure to be connecting and hope this is a start of a wonderful partnership.
I consider it an honor to get in touch with you. I consider it an honor to get in touch with you and discuss the possibilities.
I am greatly appreciative of this connection we’ve made. I am greatly appreciative of this connection we’ve made and its potential future.
It is a true privilege to engage with you. It is a true privilege to engage with you and to learn from your expertise.
I am most respectful of the chance to connect with you. I am most respectful of the chance to connect with you and to explore our common interests.
It is with utmost sincerity that I say it is a pleasure to connect It is with utmost sincerity that I say it is a pleasure to connect, and I look forward to productive discussions.
I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be in touch. I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be in touch and to discuss our shared goals.
I hold this connection in high regard and appreciate this opportunity. I hold this connection in high regard and appreciate this opportunity to collaborate.
It is with considerable respect that I acknowledge this connection. It is with considerable respect that I acknowledge this connection and its future potential.
I am profoundly thankful for the chance to be engaging with you. I am profoundly thankful for the chance to be engaging with you and to exchange valuable insights.

Casual Examples

The table below showcases casual alternatives to “Nice to connect with you,” suitable for informal settings or interactions with friends and colleagues.

Casual Alternative Example Sentence
Good to connect with you! Good to connect with you! How’s everything going?
Great to meet you! Great to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you.
Happy to connect! Happy to connect! Let’s catch up soon.
Cool to connect with you. Cool to connect with you. Looking forward to hearing your ideas.
Glad we connected! Glad we connected! We should do this again sometime.
Awesome to connect! Awesome to connect! I’m excited about this project.
It’s nice meeting you! It’s nice meeting you! I hope we can work together.
It’s great meeting you! It’s great meeting you! I’ve been looking forward to this.
Really good to meet you! Really good to meet you! I have been following your work.
It’s a pleasure meeting you! It’s a pleasure meeting you! Let’s collaborate in the future.
Hey, nice to meet ya! Hey, nice to meet ya! What brings you here?
Hey, glad to meet you! Hey, glad to meet you! I’ve heard good things about your work.
Hey, good to see you! Hey, good to see you! Let’s catch up soon.
Hey, happy to see you! Hey, happy to see you! It’s been a while.
Hey, awesome to see you! Hey, awesome to see you! I’m glad you could make it.
It was really nice to have met you! It was really nice to have met you! Let’s keep in touch.
It was really great connecting with you. Let’s keep in touch! It was really great connecting with you. Let’s keep in touch!
So, glad to have met you! So, glad to have met you! Hope to see you around.
Really happy to be in touch! Really happy to be in touch! I appreciate the opportunity.
Glad to have you in my network! Glad to have you in my network! Let’s stay connected.
It’s cool to finally be connected! It’s cool to finally be connected! Looking forward to working together.
It’s awesome we finally got together! It’s awesome we finally got together! Let’s make the most of it.
Super stoked to be in contact with you! Super stoked to be in contact with you! Can’t wait to see what we can do.
So happy to be engaging with you! So happy to be engaging with you! Let’s get started right away.
Really glad we are finally connected! Really glad we are finally connected! Let’s stay in touch.
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Context-Specific Examples

The table below offers context-specific alternatives to “Nice to connect with you,” tailored to different situations and purposes.

Context-Specific Alternative Example Sentence
I’ve been looking forward to connecting with you. I’ve been looking forward to connecting with you about this project.
It’s great to finally put a face to the name. It’s great to finally put a face to the name; I’ve been following your blog for years.
I’m excited to explore potential collaborations. I’m excited to explore potential collaborations with your company.
I’m eager to learn more about your work. I’m eager to learn more about your work in the field of artificial intelligence.
I appreciate you taking the time to connect with me. I appreciate you taking the time to connect with me despite your busy schedule.
I’m delighted to be connecting with a fellow [profession/interest]. I’m delighted to be connecting with a fellow writer.
Following up on [mutual connection/event], it’s great to connect. Following up on Sarah’s introduction, it’s great to connect.
I’ve heard great things about your work on [project/achievement]. I’ve heard great things about your work on the marketing campaign.
It’s a pleasure to connect with someone who shares my passion for [topic]. It’s a pleasure to connect with someone who shares my passion for sustainable living.
I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together on this new initiative.
It’s wonderful to connect with someone from [company/organization]. It’s wonderful to connect with someone from Google.
I’m looking forward to discussing [topic] with you. I’m looking forward to discussing the future of renewable energy with you.
I’m thrilled to be in touch regarding [specific opportunity]. I’m thrilled to be in touch regarding the marketing position.
I’ve been wanting to reach out to you for some time. I’ve been wanting to reach out to you for some time to discuss collaboration opportunities.
I’m so glad we finally made this connection. I’m so glad we finally made this connection at the conference.
Following up on our conversation, it’s good to connect again. Following up on our conversation, it’s good to connect again and discuss the next steps.
It’s been a pleasure following your work, and it’s great to connect personally. It’s been a pleasure following your work, and it’s great to connect personally and discuss your latest project.
I’m excited to start this collaboration and connect with you. I’m excited to start this collaboration and connect with you to ensure a successful partnership.
I appreciate you reaching out and giving us this opportunity to connect. I appreciate you reaching out and giving us this opportunity to connect and learn about your company’s mission.
It’s a pleasure to meet someone with such a diverse background. It’s a pleasure to meet someone with such a diverse background and hear about your experiences.
I’m looking forward to discussing our shared interests in more detail. I’m looking forward to discussing our shared interests in sustainable development in more detail.
I’m grateful for the chance to hear about your experiences in the industry. I’m grateful for the chance to hear about your experiences in the industry and gain valuable insights.
I’m delighted to connect with someone who’s making such a positive impact. I’m delighted to connect with someone who’s making such a positive impact in the community.
I’m eager to see how our skills can complement each other. I’m eager to see how our skills can complement each other and lead to productive collaborations.
I’m honored to be connecting with someone of your caliber. I’m honored to be connecting with someone of your caliber in the field of medicine.

Usage Rules

When choosing an alternative to “Nice to connect with you,” it’s important to consider the following usage rules:

  1. Formality: Match the level of formality to the context and your relationship with the other person. Avoid using casual phrases in formal settings, and vice versa.
  2. Enthusiasm: Gauge the appropriate level of enthusiasm. While expressing genuine interest is positive, excessive enthusiasm can come across as insincere or overwhelming.
  3. Specificity: Tailor your greeting to the specific situation or purpose. A context-specific greeting demonstrates that you have taken the time to understand the other person’s background or interests.
  4. Authenticity: Be genuine in your expression. Choose a phrase that reflects your true sentiments and avoid using clichés or insincere language.
  5. Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles. Some cultures may prefer more formal or reserved greetings.

Exceptions and Special Cases: In certain situations, it may be appropriate to deviate from these general rules. For example, if you are connecting with someone in a creative field, a more expressive and enthusiastic greeting might be well-received, even in a formal setting. Similarly, if you are connecting with someone who is known for their informal communication style, a more casual greeting might be appropriate, even if the setting is technically formal. The key is to exercise good judgment and adapt your greeting to the specific circumstances.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “Nice to connect with you”:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
“So nice to connect, bro!” “Good to connect with you!” Avoid overly casual language in professional settings.
“I’m, like, so thrilled to connect!” “I’m thrilled to connect with you!” Avoid using filler words like “like” in formal or professional communication.
“Nice to connect, I guess.” “Nice to connect with you!” Avoid using language that undermines the positive sentiment of the greeting.
“It was nice to connect, but…” “It was nice to connect with you.” Avoid immediately following the greeting with a negative or critical statement.
“I’m very happy to connect with you, you know?” “I’m very happy to connect with you.” Avoid ending the greeting with a tag question that weakens the statement.
“I appreciate the opportunity to link with you.” “I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you.” While “link” can work, “connect” is the more common and natural choice.
“I anticipate to connect with you.” “I anticipate connecting with you.” The correct grammatical structure is “anticipate + -ing form.”
“Pleased to connect, and you?” “Pleased to connect with you.” The second part is unnecessary and sounds awkward.
“I’m delighted connecting with you.” “I’m delighted to be connecting with you.” The correct grammatical structure is “delighted to be + -ing form.”
“I await for connecting with you.” “I look forward to connecting with you.” “Awaiting” is more formal. “Look forward to + -ing” is a better choice.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of alternative phrases with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Choose the most appropriate alternative phrase for each scenario.

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Scenario Possible Answers Correct Answer
Meeting a CEO at a formal business event. a) “Hey, good to see ya!” b) “It’s an honor to connect with you.” c) “Stoked to meet you!” b) “It’s an honor to connect with you.”
Connecting with a friend on social media. a) “I am pleased to be connecting with you.” b) “Good to connect with you!” c) “Permit me to express my pleasure…” b) “Good to connect with you!”
Meeting a potential collaborator at a conference. a) “I’m excited to explore potential collaborations.” b) “Hey, what’s up?” c) “It is a pleasure to be in communication.” a) “I’m excited to explore potential collaborations.”
Connecting with someone who shares your passion for hiking. a) “Thrilled to connect with you!” b) “It’s a privilege to connect.” c) “I’m delighted to be connecting with a fellow hiking enthusiast.” c) “I’m delighted to be connecting with a fellow hiking enthusiast.”
Meeting a new colleague on your first day at work. a) “I am grateful for the chance to connect with you.” b) “Great to meet you!” c) “Buzzing to be connecting!” b) “Great to meet you!”
Connecting with someone who just won an award in their field. a) “Awesome to connect!” b) “I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you.” c) “I’ve heard great things about your work.” c) “I’ve heard great things about your work.”
Meeting a new client in a business meeting. a) “Looking forward to connecting!” b) “It’s a pleasure to connect with you.” c) “Hey, nice to meet ya!” b) “It’s a pleasure to connect with you.”
Connecting with a long-lost friend after many years. a) “Ecstatic to connect with you!” b) “It is an honor to connect with you.” c) “So glad to be connecting!” c) “So glad to be connecting!”
Meeting an author whose books you admire. a) “Permit me to express my pleasure in connecting with you.” b) “Super excited to meet you!” c) “It’s great to finally put a face to the name.” c) “It’s great to finally put a face to the name.”
Connecting with someone you met briefly at a networking event. a) “Honored to be in touch.” b) “Following up on our conversation, it’s good to connect again.” c) “So pleased we’re connected!” b) “Following up on our conversation, it’s good to connect again.”

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a more appropriate alternative to “Nice to connect with you,” based on the context provided.

  1. Original: “Nice to connect with you, Mr. President.” (Rewrite for a formal setting)

    Answer: “It is an honor to connect with you, Mr. President.”
  2. Original: “Nice to connect with you! Let’s grab coffee sometime.” (Rewrite for a casual setting)

    Answer: “Good to connect with you! Let’s grab coffee sometime.”
  3. Original: “Nice to connect with you; I’ve been following your research for years.” (Rewrite to be more specific)

    Answer: “It’s great to finally put a face to the name; I’ve been following your research for years.”
  4. Original: “Nice to connect with you! I’m so excited about this project.” (Rewrite to be more enthusiastic)

    Answer: “Thrilled to connect with you! I’m so excited about this project.”
  5. Original: “Nice to connect with you. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.” (Rewrite to express gratitude)

    Answer: “I appreciate you taking the time to connect with me.”
  6. Original: “Nice to connect with you, I guess.” (Rewrite to be more positive)

    Answer: “Good to connect with you!”
  7. Original: “Nice to connect with you, but I have to run.” (Rewrite to be more polite)

    Answer: “It was nice to connect with you; I have to run.”
  8. Original: “Nice to connect with you in the office again!” (Rewrite to show excitement)

    Answer: “So glad to be connecting in the office again!”
  9. Original: “Nice to connect with you, I can’t wait to see what’s next!” (Rewrite to show anticipation)

    Answer: “Looking forward to connecting, I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
  10. Original: “Nice to connect with you, you know?” (Rewrite to sound more confident)

    Answer: “It’s very nice to connect with you!”

Advanced Topics

For those seeking to further refine their communication skills, here are some advanced topics to consider:

  • Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues can significantly impact the effectiveness of your greeting. A genuine smile and confident posture can enhance the positive sentiment conveyed by your words.
  • Active Listening: After delivering your greeting, actively listen to the other person’s response. Show genuine interest in what they have to say and ask follow-up questions. This demonstrates that you are not just going through the motions but are truly engaged in the interaction.
  • Personalization: Strive to personalize your greetings as much as possible. Reference specific details about the other person’s background, interests, or accomplishments to show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in connecting with them.
  • Cultural Nuances: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and adapt your greetings accordingly. Some cultures may value formality and respect, while others may prefer a more casual and relaxed approach. Understanding these nuances can help you to avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Develop your emotional intelligence to better understand and respond to the emotions of others. This will allow you to tailor your greetings to the specific emotional state of the other person, creating a more positive and meaningful interaction.

FAQ

Is it ever inappropriate to use an alternative to “Nice to connect with you?”

In very formal settings where extreme politeness is expected, sticking to a traditional greeting might be safer. However, in most situations, a well-chosen alternative can make a positive impression.

How do I avoid sounding insincere when using enthusiastic greetings?

Make sure your enthusiasm is genuine and reflects your true feelings. Avoid using overly effusive language or clichés.

Focus on expressing your genuine interest in the other person and their work.

What if I don’t know the person well enough to use a context-specific greeting?

In such cases, a more general greeting is appropriate. You can still express your enthusiasm or pleasure in connecting, but avoid making assumptions or referencing information that you are not certain about.

How can I improve my ability to choose the right greeting for different situations?

Practice is key. Pay attention to the communication styles of others and observe how they tailor their greetings to different contexts.

Experiment with different phrases and observe the reactions of others. Over time, you will develop a better sense of what works and what doesn’t.

Are there any greetings that should always be avoided?

Avoid using greetings that are overly casual, disrespectful, or culturally insensitive. Also, avoid using greetings that are insincere or that undermine the positive sentiment of the interaction.

Conclusion

Mastering a variety of alternatives to “Nice to connect with you” is a valuable skill that can enhance your communication, foster stronger relationships, and create more positive impressions. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and tailoring your greetings to specific contexts, you can demonstrate your linguistic versatility, emotional intelligence, and genuine interest in connecting with others.

Practice these alternatives, pay attention to the reactions of others, and refine your approach over time. With dedication and effort, you can elevate your introductions and unlock new opportunities for meaningful connection.

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