consultations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'consultations' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe discussions or meetings to seek advice or information. For example, "The Board of Directors held consultations to discuss the next year's budget".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, late last month, King Mohammed VI, without consulting his ministers, called his country's ambassador home from Madrid "for consultations", and called off a summit scheduled for December.

The Economist

"We realised our consultations were becoming longer and more complex," Smith says in the presentation.

The Guardian

However, herbal practitioners don't need a licence to supply medicines that they create on their own premises following one-to-one consultations, as long as they don't contain banned substances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today we have started consultations with the NUJ with the aim of opening up an initial voluntary redundancy scheme.

The Guardian

Yes, there have been consultations, meetings, engagement – the trouble is, opponents say, frequently hamfisted enough to make things worse.

The Guardian

But how can residents know that the reported results of the consultations are fair?

The Guardian

Diplomats said Brahimi would first visit Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, all regional diplomatic heavyweights, for consultations before heading to Damascus.

The Guardian

I identified that GP consultations were one of the gatekeepers to the hospital referral.

The Guardian

A plan to slash the rebate for short consultations by $20 was also binned in January.

The Guardian

That so many local papers have recently reported school redundancy consultations is bleak, but unsurprising.

The Guardian

Australians will lose access to free visits to see a doctor as the Abbott government pushes ahead with plans to introduce a new $7 fee for GP consultations and increase prices for medicines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to formal or official discussions, use "consultations" to convey a sense of importance and authority. For informal contexts, consider alternatives like "discussions" or "meetings".

Common error

Avoid using "consultations" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "chats" or "discussions" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consultations" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of seeking advice, exchanging information, or engaging in discussions, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consultations" is a plural noun denoting formal discussions or meetings for seeking advice and exchanging information. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "discussions" or "meetings" exist, "consultations" conveys a sense of importance and authority. When writing, it is important to consider the context and avoid using "consultations" in informal settings. The phrase is very common with 60 examples from highly reputable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussions

Focuses more on the exchange of ideas rather than formal advice-seeking.

advisory sessions

Specifically denotes a session for providing advice.

meetings

Emphasizes the gathering aspect, potentially broader than advice or planning.

dialogues

Emphasizes a two-way exchange of information and perspectives.

planning sessions

Highlights the collaborative aspect of planning activities.

deliberations

Highlights careful consideration and weighing of options.

talks

A simpler, more informal term for discussions.

negotiations

Suggests a bargaining process, often involving conflicting interests.

engagements

Suggests active involvement and participation in discussions.

conferences

Implies a larger, more formal gathering for information exchange.

FAQs

How to use "consultations" in a sentence?

"Consultations" typically refers to formal discussions or meetings, such as, "The government held "consultations" with industry leaders before making the decision."

What can I say instead of "consultations"?

You can use alternatives like "discussions", "meetings", or "deliberations" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "consultation" or "consultations"?

"Consultation" refers to a single instance of seeking advice, while "consultations" refers to multiple instances or a series of discussions. For example, "After a consultation with her doctor..." versus "After a series of "consultations" with various experts...".

What's the difference between "consultations" and "negotiations"?

"Consultations" primarily involve seeking advice and exchanging information, whereas "negotiations" focus on reaching an agreement, often involving bargaining and compromise. While "consultations" can inform negotiations, they are not the same.