conferred with

USAGE SUMMARY

"conferred with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more people have met in order to discuss a particular issue. For example, "The senator conferred with his constituents to address their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Obama conferred with Harper by telephone shortly after the attack.

The Guardian

We conferred with our neighbors.

The New Yorker

We conferred with the world.

The New York Times

He conferred with his sister.

The Guardian - Books

Comey conferred with his aides.

The New Yorker

Rozelle conferred with Udall -- and with Marshall.

The Washington Post

From time to time, he conferred with Mica.

The New Yorker

He is reported to have conferred with the president regularly.

The Guardian

Judge conferred with Boone, Thames and Donahue between rounds.

The New York Times - Sports

He conferred with the train's conductor, Mary Tillman.

The New York Times

In a lowered voice Molina conferred with the male cop.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain context by indicating the subject or area of discussion.

Common error

Avoid substituting "with" for other prepositions. "Conferred at", "conferred on", or "conferred in" are incorrect usages. It is always "conferred with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conferred with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal discussion or consultation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in describing interactions involving advice or expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conferred with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, indicating a formal discussion or consultation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's appropriate for describing situations where advice or expertise is exchanged. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, followed by academic and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use the correct preposition "with" and consider the formality of the situation, as more informal alternatives exist. Using related phrases such as "consulted with", "spoke with" or "discussed with" can also depend on the context and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consulted with

Focuses on seeking advice or guidance during the discussion.

Discussed with

Highlights the exchange of ideas and information during the interaction.

Spoke with

A more general term, indicating a conversation occurred but not necessarily a formal discussion.

Met with

Emphasizes the act of meeting in person to have a conversation.

Had a conversation with

A more verbose way of saying "spoke with", emphasizing the interactive nature of the exchange.

Negotiated with

Implies that the discussion involved bargaining or compromise.

Liaised with

Suggests a formal connection or coordination between parties.

Deliberated with

Indicates a careful and thorough consideration of the topic at hand.

Communicated with

A broad term that encompasses various forms of interaction, including written and verbal.

Brainstormed with

Highlights the generation of new ideas or solutions during the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "conferred with" in a sentence?

You can use "conferred with" to indicate that someone has formally discussed or consulted with another person or group. For example, "The manager "conferred with" the team before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to "conferred with"?

Alternatives include "consulted with", "spoke with", "discussed with", or "met with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the discussion.

Is "conferred with" formal or informal?

"Conferred with" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a deliberate and often official discussion. More informal options include "talked to" or "chatted with".

What is the difference between "conferred with" and "consulted with"?

While both imply seeking input, "conferred with" suggests a more equal exchange of ideas, whereas "consulted with" emphasizes seeking expert advice or guidance from someone more knowledgeable.