engage in talks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engage in talks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the situation of two or more people or groups meeting to discuss something. For example: The two leaders agreed to engage in talks to resolve the long-standing conflict.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attacks occur almost daily despite the government's efforts to engage in talks with the Muslim rebels.

The New York Times

Bannerman said in a statement that it was also continuing to engage in talks with Hanlong.

The New York Times

Few expect the opposition to seize Russia's bait and engage in talks with the regime.

The Economist

Should the international community even engage in talks with such a viciously despotic government?

The Guardian - Opinion

Southern said the action was "totally unnecessary" and that the union had refused to engage in talks.

The Guardian

Sending food aid has helped the United States persuade the North Koreans to engage in talks on military-strategic issues.

The New York Times

FARC's weakening has also raised the possibility that a new top commander may engage in talks with the government to seek an end to the war.

The New York Times

Now two recent statements suggest instead that they would be willing to engage in talks even with foreigners in the country.

The New York Times

Mr. Rouhani has agreed to engage in talks with the United States and other Western powers over Iran's nuclear program, which he insists is solely for civilian purposes.

The New York Times

The Big East and the Big 12 could engage in talks about a partnership that allows both leagues to stay afloat in football.

The New York Times - Sports

Turkey and Brazil, both current members, have said they will not engage in talks on the draft, and Lebanon is also expected to sit out the vote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engage in talks", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject or purpose of the talks for better clarity. For example, "engage in talks about climate change".

Common error

Avoid using "engage in talks" in casual conversations; simpler phrases like "chat" or "discuss" are more appropriate. This phrase is better suited for formal or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engage in talks" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of participating in discussions or negotiations. Ludwig AI validates this usage, highlighting its correct and usable nature in written English. Examples show it describing diplomatic efforts, business negotiations, and conflict resolution efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engage in talks" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase signifying participation in discussions or negotiations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for formal contexts like news reporting and professional communications. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", followed by "Academia" and "Formal & Business". Remember to provide context to specify the topic of the talks. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participate in negotiations

Focuses specifically on formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

enter into discussions

Emphasizes the action of beginning a series of conversations.

get involved in dialogue

Suggests active engagement in a two-way exchange of ideas.

conduct negotiations

Emphasizes the structured and formal nature of the talks.

take part in conversations

Highlights involvement in informal exchanges.

pursue discussions

Indicates an active effort to continue or advance talks.

be party to discussions

Implies being included or officially recognized as a participant.

hold discussions

Stresses the act of organizing and conducting talks.

initiate conversations

Highlights the act of starting a discussion.

have conversations

Focuses on the simple act of exchanging words.

FAQs

How can I use "engage in talks" in a sentence?

You can use "engage in talks" to describe situations where parties are discussing or negotiating something. For instance, "The government is willing to "engage in talks" with the rebels to find a peaceful resolution".

What are some alternatives to "engage in talks"?

Alternatives include "participate in negotiations", "enter into discussions", or simply "discuss" depending on the formality and context.

Is it better to say "engage in talks" or "hold talks"?

"Engage in talks" emphasizes participation, while "hold talks" highlights the act of organizing and conducting them. The best choice depends on whether you want to focus on the participation or the organization of the discussions.

What's the difference between "engage in talks" and "engage in a conversation"?

"Engage in talks" usually implies a more formal or structured discussion, often with specific goals, whereas "engage in a conversation" is more general and can refer to any informal exchange of ideas.