be conferring with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be conferring with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is in the process of discussing or consulting with another person or group. Example: "I will be conferring with the team to finalize our strategy for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

On Monday, President Obama expressed concern about the killings and said in a White House news conference that he, too, would be conferring with Mr. Karzai about them.

The New York Times

Why would he not be conferring with top aides about an extrication strategy?

The New York Times

Dr. Kafash seemed to be conferring with his wife and his son.

The New Yorker

If it weren't for guns, President-elect Kerry might now be conferring with incoming Senate Majority Leader Daschle.

The New York Times

As long as he is the managing partner, he will be conferring with Joe Torre and his front-office people as well as exhorting or exiling players.

The New York Times - Sports

"If it were a simple matter of Google and China, obviously Google wouldn't be conferring with the U.S. State Department," said an editor for a Communist Party newspaper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Bihar-born development activist Arbind Singh will be conferred with Skoll Foundation social entrepreneurship award at Oxford on Thursday.

The Guardian

At the end of the 6 years' program, they will be conferred with a high school diploma certificate before embarking on their university life.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

The exhausted party leaders have been conferring with advisers and, discreetly, with one another.

The Guardian

Rosa Hinojosa, who was conferring with the man behind the counter, gave him a sharp glance.

The New Yorker

A policeman and a fireman were conferring with another man in the hallway by the stairs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey that someone is having an intense discussion, add the word "urgently": "The manager will be conferring urgently with the director".

Common error

Avoid using "be conferring with" interchangeably with simpler terms like "talking to" in informal contexts. "Be conferring with" implies a more structured and purposeful discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be conferring with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of formal discussion or consultation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be conferring with" denotes a formal discussion or consultation, typically used in professional, academic, or official contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it carries a tone of importance and expertise. Related phrases include "consult with", "discuss with", and "deliberate with", each with nuances in formality and context. To ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation, it's crucial to use "be conferring with" in appropriate settings, reserving it for situations where a formal exchange of ideas or advice is underway.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consult with

This alternative is more concise and direct, lacking the continuous aspect of "be conferring with".

discuss with

This alternative is more general and lacks the formal connotation of "conferring".

have a discussion with

This phrase is similar but emphasizes the event of having a discussion rather than the ongoing process.

deliberate with

This suggests a careful and thorough discussion, often in a formal setting.

talk with

This is a very informal alternative, suitable for casual conversations.

negotiate with

This implies a more formal discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

get input from

This alternative emphasizes gathering opinions or feedback from others.

advise with

This means to provide counsel or guidance, focusing on giving advice.

touch base with

This is a less formal way to say to have a brief discussion or meeting with someone.

seek counsel from

This highlights the act of seeking advice from someone considered an expert.

FAQs

What does "be conferring with" mean?

The phrase "be conferring with" suggests engaging in a formal discussion or consultation with someone, often implying a level of importance or expertise in the discussion.

When is it appropriate to use "be conferring with"?

It's appropriate to use "be conferring with" when describing a serious or formal discussion, especially in professional or official settings. For less formal contexts, consider using "discussing with" or "talking with".

What are some alternatives to "be conferring with"?

Alternatives include "consult with", "discuss with", or "deliberate with". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be conferring with" formal or informal?

"Be conferring with" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly stiff or pretentious.