conspiring with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspiring with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of secretly planning or plotting with others, often for illicit purposes. Example: "The detective suspected that the suspect was conspiring with an accomplice to commit the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Conspiring with doctors".

The New York Times

Is he secretly conspiring with the Nazis?

The Guardian

They are charged with conspiring with the United States.

The Economist

Is he or she guilty of conspiring with terrorists?

The New York Times

All were believed to be conspiring with the Colombians.

The Guardian

Four men were convicted of conspiring with Mr. bin Laden.

The New York Times

Could the quasars be influencing the experimenters toward a biased act without conspiring with each other?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Nasheed accused Mr. Hassan of conspiring with allies of Mr. Gayoom to displace him.

The New York Times

"You have politicians conspiring with corporations to take away pensions from workers".

The New York Times

One has been charged with conspiring with Richard Reid, the "shoe bomber".

The Economist

She still faces prosecution in Washington for conspiring with Cisneros and making false statements.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "colluding with" or "plotting with" to achieve the precision you need in a given situation. The best option depends on whether you want to emphasize agreement, planning, or secrecy.

Common error

Avoid using "conspiring with" in situations where the collaboration is not secret or illicit. Using it to describe ordinary teamwork or cooperation can sound overly dramatic and inaccurate. Instead, choose words such as "collaborating" or "partnering" for neutral or positive collaborations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspiring with" typically functions as a verb phrase, where "conspiring" is the verb and "with" is a preposition introducing the person or group being conspired with. Ludwig AI validates its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conspiring with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a secret agreement or plan, often for illicit purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by academic sources. While synonyms like "colluding with" or "plotting with" exist, "conspiring with" carries a specific connotation of secrecy and potential illegality. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports this implication to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working in collusion with

Highlights the element of secrecy and illegality in the cooperation.

colluding with

Implies a secret agreement or cooperation, often for illegal or deceitful purposes. Stronger emphasis on secrecy and agreement.

conspiring alongside

Emphasizes the joint action and shared involvement in the conspiracy.

plotting with

Suggests a carefully devised plan, often involving intrigue or scheming. Emphasizes the planning aspect.

joining forces in conspiracy with

Illustrates a formal association, for the specific reason of conspiring with someone.

scheming with

Similar to plotting but often implies a more selfish or underhanded motive.

hatching a plot with

Illustrates a formal association, for the specific reason of hatching a plot with someone.

conniving with

Suggests using deception and manipulation to achieve a goal in cooperation with someone.

in cahoots with

An informal expression indicating secret collaboration, often for dishonest purposes.

acting in concert with

Implies coordinated action, often with a shared goal, which may or may not be illicit.

FAQs

What does "conspiring with" mean?

The phrase "conspiring with" refers to secretly planning or plotting together with others, often for an illegal or harmful purpose. It implies a clandestine agreement and coordinated action.

What are some synonyms for "conspiring with"?

Alternatives to "conspiring with" include "colluding with", "plotting with", "scheming with", and "conniving with". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How is "conspiring with" different from "collaborating with"?

"Conspiring with" implies a secret, often illegal, agreement, while "collaborating with" suggests open and legitimate cooperation towards a shared goal. The former carries a negative connotation, while the latter is generally positive.

Is it always illegal to be "conspiring with" someone?

While "conspiring with" often implies illegal activity, the legality depends on the nature of the agreement and the actions being planned. Not all conspiracies are inherently illegal, but the phrase typically suggests involvement in activities that violate the law or ethical standards.