could negotiate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could negotiate with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of reaching an agreement or understanding with someone or a group. Example: "The company could negotiate with the suppliers to lower the costs of materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"With Bill Clinton, you could negotiate with him.

The New Yorker

The company could negotiate with Sprint to share its 4G infrastructure.

The New York Times - Tech

He could negotiate with Mr. Sharansky and with Shas to try to save his original coalition.

The New York Times

After three years, the health secretary could negotiate with doctors and hospitals.

The New York Times - Health

By gaining greater control of its distribution network, Cadbury could negotiate with retailers directly.

The New York Times

That means he could negotiate with only the team that drafts him.

The New York Times - Sports

The movement has so far failed to name representatives who could negotiate with the government.

The New York Times

Mr. Brazauskas was appointed deputy prime minister in the hope he could negotiate with his former Communist counterparts in Moscow.

The New York Times

Or he could negotiate with Mr. Romney's people for a bigger role for his son, SenatorRand Paul of Kentucky.

The New York Times

They could negotiate with drug companies, but the government, with much greater purchasing power, would be forbidden to do so.

The New York Times

Supporters hailed his cross-border foray as evidence he could negotiate with foreign leaders and secure US interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies both parties involved in the negotiation and the subject matter being negotiated.

Common error

Don't use "could negotiate with" when the negotiation has already occurred and a final agreement has been reached. Instead, use verbs like "negotiated", "agreed", or "settled" to indicate the completion of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could negotiate with" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility or potential ability to engage in negotiations with someone. As supported by Ludwig, it suggests an opportunity or option for discussion and agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could negotiate with" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the potential for discussion and agreement between parties. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media, formal business settings, and encyclopedias highlights its broad applicability. While alternatives exist, such as "might discuss with" or "can come to terms with", "could negotiate with" remains a clear and effective way to convey the possibility of reaching a mutually acceptable outcome through negotiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can come to terms with

Focuses on reaching an agreement or compromise.

might discuss with

Emphasizes the act of discussion rather than a formal negotiation.

can discuss terms with

Highlights the discussion about specific conditions or agreements.

may bargain with

Highlights the aspect of bargaining and exchange in the interaction.

might reach out to

Emphasizes the initial act of contacting someone for potential discussion.

can confer with

Focuses on consulting and exchanging opinions with someone.

may find common ground with

Focuses on discovering shared interests or beliefs to facilitate agreement.

is able to parley with

Suggests a more formal and strategic negotiation.

has the option to treat with

Implies a formal process of discussing terms or conditions.

is in a position to debate with

Highlights the aspect of arguing and presenting different viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "could negotiate with" in a sentence?

The phrase "could negotiate with" is used to indicate a possibility or potential for discussing terms and reaching an agreement. For instance, "The union could negotiate with the company to improve employee benefits".

What can I say instead of "could negotiate with"?

You can use alternatives like "might discuss with", "may bargain with", or "can come to terms with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "could negotiate with" in formal writing?

Yes, "could negotiate with" is appropriate for formal writing. It's frequently used in professional and news contexts, indicating a neutral and professional tone.

What is the difference between "could negotiate with" and "negotiated with"?

"Could negotiate with" implies a potential or possibility of negotiation, while "negotiated with" indicates that the negotiation has already taken place.