consult with them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consult with them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest seeking advice or information from a specific group of people. Example: "Before making a final decision, it’s important to consult with them to gather their insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I would have to consult with them".

The New Yorker

I consult with them on an informal basis.

The New Yorker

They ain't sayin', and I don't consult with them.

The New York Times

But it uses them more to entertain clients than to consult with them.

The New York Times

Several served as visionaries; relatives of the ailing made pilgrimages to consult with them.

The New Yorker

"We involve them, but to say we consult with them is too strong".

The New York Times - Sports

"You still have to work with Congress, you have to consult with them," he added.

The New York Times

You consult with them on a regular basis -– say once every six months.

The New York Times

If we're not too sure about what path to take, we consult with them," Roberts says.

The Guardian

"When I said I wanted to consult with them, I meant that group of Syrian people," she said.

Independent

But many are solo practitioners, brains for hire who lecture at corporations or consult with them regularly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consult with them", ensure the context clearly indicates who "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "consult with them" when the interaction is merely informational. "Inform them" is more appropriate if you're simply providing updates, not seeking advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consult with them" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of seeking advice or information from a specific group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound construction commonly employed across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consult with them" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of seeking advice or input from a group, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's widely used across different contexts, especially in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context clearly identifies who "them" refers to and that the interaction involves genuine consultation, not just informing. Alternatives like "seek their advice" or "get their input" can provide more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek their advice

Implies a more formal request for guidance or opinion.

get their input

Focuses on obtaining specific contributions or ideas.

ask for their opinion

Directly requests their viewpoint on a matter.

discuss it with them

Suggests a conversation to explore different perspectives.

confer with them

Implies a more formal and structured discussion.

touch base with them

Suggests a brief, informal check-in.

run it by them

Indicates showing something to someone for quick feedback.

pick their brains

Informally seeks their expertise or knowledge.

sound it out with them

Suggests exploring an idea to gauge their reaction or thoughts.

get their perspective

Focuses on understanding their viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "consult with them" in a sentence?

You can use "consult with them" to indicate seeking advice or guidance. For example, "Before implementing the new policy, we need to consult with them".

What can I say instead of "consult with them"?

Alternatives include "seek their advice", "get their input", or "ask for their opinion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "consult them" or "consult with them"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "consult with them" emphasizes a collaborative discussion, while "consult them" is more direct. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

When is it inappropriate to use "consult with them"?

It's inappropriate if you are not genuinely seeking advice or input, but merely informing them of a decision already made. In such cases, "inform them" or "notify them" would be more accurate.