I negotiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I negotiated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action where you reached an agreement or arrangement through discussion or compromise. Example: "I negotiated the terms of the contract to ensure both parties were satisfied with the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I negotiated".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I negotiated that".

The New Yorker

I negotiated cooking privileges.

The New Yorker

I negotiated $14.50 a square foot.

The New York Times

And I negotiated a good deal.

The Guardian

I negotiated for a day, with breaks for lunch".

The New Yorker

I negotiated the worst 10 feet on all fours.

The New York Times - Travel

"I negotiated the deal myself," Mr. Sternlicht said.

The New York Times

I negotiated with the King, reached an agreement.

The Guardian

"But," he said, "I negotiated a 50percentt severance clause.

The New York Times

So, yeah, I negotiated my own $18,000 contract myself".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I negotiated", clearly state what you negotiated for to provide context and highlight the purpose of the negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "I negotiated" without specifying the outcome or terms of the negotiation. Always provide details about what was achieved to demonstrate the value of your negotiation skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I negotiated" functions as a statement of action, indicating that the speaker actively engaged in discussions to reach an agreement or achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its established function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I negotiated" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that effectively communicates the speaker's active role in reaching an agreement. As indicated by Ludwig, its versatility allows for application across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, providing specific details about the negotiation's outcome is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "I bargained" or "I arranged" offer subtle variations in meaning. This phrase is a strong and direct way to convey your proactive involvement in achieving a desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I bargained

Replaces 'negotiated' with a more informal term suggesting a discussion to agree on a price or terms.

I arranged

Focuses on the act of organizing or making arrangements, implying a negotiated agreement.

I mediated

Suggests acting as an intermediary to reach an agreement, emphasizing a more facilitative role.

I secured

Highlights the successful attainment of something through negotiation, focusing on the outcome.

I settled

Emphasizes the resolution of a dispute or reaching an agreement, often involving compromise.

I contracted

Replaces 'negotiated' with a term implying a formal written agreement was achieved.

I hammered out

Implies a lengthy and possibly difficult negotiation process to reach an agreement.

I worked out

Suggests a successful resolution to a problem or arrangement of terms through discussion.

I concluded

Emphasizes the completion of negotiations, leading to an agreement or decision.

I thrashed out

Indicates a vigorous and possibly contentious negotiation process to resolve differences.

FAQs

How can I use "I negotiated" in a sentence?

Use "I negotiated" to describe a situation where you reached an agreement or arrangement through discussion and compromise. For example: "I negotiated a better salary" or "I negotiated the terms of the contract".

What are some alternatives to using "I negotiated"?

You can use alternatives like "I bargained", "I arranged", or "I secured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I negotiated" or "I reached an agreement"?

Both phrases are correct, but "I negotiated" emphasizes the process of discussion and compromise, while "I reached an agreement" focuses on the final outcome.

What's the difference between "I negotiated" and "I mediated"?

"I negotiated" implies you were directly involved in reaching an agreement for your own benefit, whereas "I mediated" suggests you acted as a neutral third party to help others reach an agreement.