engaged in discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engaged in discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more people having a conversation aimed at making a decision or reaching an agreement. For example: The two countries were engaged in discussions to form a trade agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We will be engaged in discussions in a constructive way.

The New York Times

Friend the International Development Secretary is engaged in discussions about that.

Independent

"Barclays is engaged in discussions with those authorities about potential resolution of those aspects".

The New York Times

"We would want to ensure that we are constructively engaged in discussions," the spokesman said.

The New York Times

We are now heavily engaged in discussions on post-Taliban political structures in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

His comments came as the administration was engaged in discussions with the Afghan government on arrangements after 2014.

The New York Times

Diplomats were still engaged in discussions about how the Taliban are presenting themselves at their new office here.

The New York Times

Along the way, he has remained engaged in discussions about products at Microsoft, meeting frequently with executives from the company.

The New York Times - Tech

"I am engaged in discussions with Nick and his office and there may be minor technical changes," Hunt said.

The Guardian

As for Senator Mack, "He's been engaged in discussions with many different business groups," said Nancy Segerdahl, a spokeswoman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A week after stalled conversations, the Lakers and San Antonio re-engaged in discussions about disgruntled Spurs star Kawhi Leonard.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to highlight active and ongoing dialogue between parties use the phrase "engaged in discussions". It suggests more than just a single conversation; it implies a process.

Common error

The phrase "engaged in discussions" implies a two-way interaction. If someone is simply presenting information without reciprocal dialogue, use terms like "presenting a lecture" or "delivering a speech" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaged in discussions" typically functions as a verbal phrase describing an ongoing activity. It specifies that individuals or groups are actively participating in conversations, often with a specific purpose or goal in mind. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engaged in discussions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys active participation in purposeful conversations. Its usage spans various contexts, notably in news, science, and business communications. When using the phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it accurately reflects a two-way exchange. Alternatives like "involved in conversations" or "participating in deliberations" may suit specific nuances. Remember, "engaged in discussions" implies a deliberate and ongoing process of communication, emphasizing purpose and active involvement from all sides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Involved in conversations

A more general term that emphasizes active participation in informal exchanges.

Participating in deliberations

Focuses more on formal and structured discussions, often in a decision-making context.

In consultation with

Highlights discussion where advice is sought and given.

Taking part in talks

Highlights the action of participating in a conversation or negotiation.

Conversing about

A more casual way of saying discussing a topic.

Having a dialogue

Emphasizes a reciprocal exchange of ideas, promoting understanding.

Involved in a discourse

Emphasizes a detailed and structured discussion on a particular subject.

In conference with

Suggests a formal consultation or meeting with someone.

Talking things over

Suggests a casual and comprehensive discussion to resolve an issue or make a decision.

Negotiating terms

Highlights the purpose of the discussion, specifically to reach an agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "engaged in discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "engaged in discussions" to describe active participation in a conversation aimed at reaching a decision or agreement. For instance, "The diplomats were "engaged in discussions" to resolve the border dispute".

What are some alternatives to "engaged in discussions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "involved in conversations", "participating in deliberations", or "taking part in talks".

Is it correct to say "engaging in discussions"?

Yes, "engaging in discussions" is grammatically correct. It is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun, for example: "Engaging in discussions is crucial for resolving conflicts".

What is the difference between "engaged in discussion" and "engaged in discussions"?

"Engaged in discussion" refers to a general conversation, while "engaged in discussions" suggests multiple, possibly separate, conversations. The plural form implies a series of talks or meetings.