I consulted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I consulted with" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate that someone sought advice, guidance, or information from another person before making a decision or taking action. Example: "I consulted with my doctor before starting any new medication." "I consulted with my colleagues before finalizing the project proposal." "I consulted with my lawyer about the legal implications of signing the contract." "I consulted with my parents before making a major life decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today I consulted with President Gorbachev.

The New York Times

I consulted with a perinatologist, a high-risk pregnancy specialist.

The New York Times - Magazine

I consulted with her before I saw the Frenchman".

The New Yorker

"I consulted with a university professor telling him I wanted to study fluid mechanics.

The Washington Post

My staff and I consulted with more than 70 members of the United States Senate.

The New York Times

Frustrated with the direction of my first project, I consulted with other faculty and proposed an entirely new project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In preparation for the interview, I consulted with experts including Eva Velasquez, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center.

The New York Times

So I consulted with Marcus Owens, an expert on nonprofit law and partner at the D.C. law firm Loeb & Loeb.

The Washington Post

• In preparing this column, I consulted with Bob Steele, an ethicist at the Poynter Institute in St .Petersburg, Fla.

The New York Times

To that end, I consulted with three experts, each at a different price level, and asked them to create a plan to transform the space.

The New York Times

When I found out I was pregnant at eight weeks, I consulted with my husband (who supported either decision), and we scheduled an abortion the following week.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I consulted with" to clearly indicate that you sought advice or input from someone before making a decision or taking action. This establishes credibility and demonstrates thoughtfulness.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "I was consulted with," as it shifts the focus away from your active role in seeking advice. Using the active voice ("I consulted with") makes your actions more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I consulted with" functions as a verb phrase indicating that the speaker sought advice, information, or guidance from another person. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I consulted with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating that one sought advice or information from someone. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific settings. To enhance clarity and impact, it's advisable to use the active voice and avoid passive constructions. Alternatives like "I sought advice from" or "I conferred with" can be used to add variety to your writing. The prevalence of the phrase in reputable sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sought advice from

Focuses on the act of seeking advice, rather than a collaborative discussion.

I conferred with

Emphasizes a formal discussion or exchange of opinions.

I sought guidance from

Highlights the act of looking for direction or advice.

I discussed it with

Emphasizes the discussion aspect, without necessarily implying seeking advice.

I talked it over with

Suggests a more informal discussion to get insights.

I got input from

Focuses on receiving opinions or feedback from someone.

I took counsel from

Implies a more formal and deliberate seeking of advice.

I gained insight from

Highlights the acquisition of understanding through discussion.

I touched base with

Suggests a brief check-in to get information.

I picked the brain of

Implies extracting knowledge or ideas from someone.

FAQs

How do I use "I consulted with" in a sentence?

Use "I consulted with" to indicate you sought advice or information from someone. For example, "I consulted with "my advisor" before choosing my courses" or "I consulted with "a lawyer" about the contract".

What can I say instead of "I consulted with"?

You can use alternatives like "I sought advice from", "I conferred with", or "I discussed it with depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was consulted with"?

While understandable, "I was consulted with" is less direct and uses the passive voice. It is better to say "I consulted with" to maintain an active and clear voice.

What's the difference between "I consulted with" and "I talked to"?

"I consulted with" implies a more formal or deliberate seeking of advice or expert opinion, while "I talked to" is a more general term for having a conversation. For example, you might say "I talked to "a friend" about my day", but "I consulted with "an accountant" about my taxes".