colluding with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colluding with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a secret agreement or cooperation between parties, often for illicit purposes. Example: "The two companies were accused of colluding with each other to fix prices in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're colluding with evil!

The Guardian - Opinion

You are colluding with your enemies".

The Guardian

1. Statements about me colluding with Russia.

The New Yorker

At other times, she is colluding with Dracula.

The New Yorker

There are instances of guards colluding with the gang.

The New Yorker

"Who was actually colluding with Russians?" Grassley asked.

The New Yorker

It condemned journalists as "colluding with the corrupt establishment".

The New York Times

There's criticism of colluding with the enemies of Islam".

The New York Times

And they see broadcasters and journalists colluding with them".

The New York Times - Arts

He was not training terrorists or colluding with Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Its lords and captains had slept through the nineteen-thirties, either colluding with or appeasing Hitler.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "colluding with", ensure that the context clearly indicates a secret agreement, often for illegal or unethical purposes. Providing specific details about the nature of the collusion can strengthen your writing.

Common error

The phrase "colluding with" carries a negative connotation. Avoid using it in situations where simple cooperation or collaboration is intended, as it can unintentionally imply wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colluding with" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating an action of secretly cooperating or conspiring. It typically describes an agreement between two or more parties to achieve an unlawful or deceitful objective. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colluding with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe secret cooperation, typically for illicit purposes. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in news and media, formal business contexts, and legal settings, carrying a negative connotation. When writing, remember that using "colluding with" implies wrongdoing and ensure that your context aligns with this meaning. Alternatives like "conspiring with" or "conniving with" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific nature of the secret agreement. In summary, "colluding with" is a powerful phrase when accurately used to depict underhanded dealings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conspiring with

Emphasizes a secret agreement to do something unlawful or harmful; it suggests a more active planning of wrongdoing.

conniving with

Suggests secret plotting and scheming, often involving deception or manipulation.

plotting with

Highlights the planning aspect of the secret cooperation, focusing on the development of a scheme.

scheming with

Similar to plotting but often implies a more intricate and potentially deceitful plan.

acting in collusion with

Formal way to express secret or illegal cooperation, often used in legal or business contexts.

secretly cooperating with

Directly states the hidden nature of the cooperation, suitable for various contexts.

working hand in glove with

Idiomatic expression suggesting close and harmonious cooperation, often implying shared dubious intentions.

in cahoots with

Informal phrase indicating a secret partnership, typically for dishonest purposes.

teaming up secretly with

Highlights the formation of a clandestine team to achieve a specific goal.

playing along with

Suggests passive agreement or participation in a questionable activity.

FAQs

What does "colluding with" mean?

"Colluding with" means secretly cooperating or conspiring with someone, typically for fraudulent or deceitful purposes.

What are some synonyms for "colluding with"?

Alternatives to "colluding with" include "conspiring with", "conniving with", or "plotting with", each carrying a similar implication of secretive and often illicit cooperation.

How is "colluding with" different from simply cooperating?

"Colluding with" implies a clandestine agreement for an underhanded purpose, whereas cooperating generally refers to open and honest collaboration. The key difference lies in the secrecy and intent to deceive or act illegally.

Can "colluding with" be used in a positive context?

No, "colluding with" almost always carries a negative connotation due to its association with secrecy, deception, and illegal activities. Using it in a positive context would be inappropriate and confusing.