held talks with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held talks with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a formal discussion or negotiation between parties, often in a diplomatic or business context. Example: "The two leaders held talks with the aim of resolving the ongoing conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Eurnekian held talks with SEPI last month.

The Economist

The U.S.A.C.A. has also held talks with Pakistan's cricket authorities.

The New York Times - Sports

It also held talks with cable TV firm Telewest.

The Guardian

4.11pm BST Last Friday, Hague held talks with John Kerry.

The Guardian

"I have not held talks with Brawn," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The company has already held talks with several potential buyers.

The New York Times

Javid has already held talks with Gupta about his proposals.

The Guardian - Business

He held talks with representatives of Orthodox and Muslim faiths.

The New York Times

Virgin also held talks with Nextel and AT&T.

The New York Times

The Wilpon family, the owners of the Mets, held talks with the league.

The New York Times - Sports

General Growth has held talks with potential investors, a person briefed on the matter said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing less formal conversations, consider alternatives like "had a discussion with" or "met with".

Common error

Avoid using "held talks with" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Instead, use simpler phrases like "spoke to" or "chatted with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held talks with" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically indicating the action of engaging in discussions or negotiations. It often implies a deliberate and purposeful interaction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held talks with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe formal discussions or negotiations, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by formal business contexts. While appropriate for neutral to professional communication, it should be avoided in informal settings. Alternatives like "engaged in discussions with" or "met with" may be suitable depending on the context. When using "held talks with", ensure that it accurately reflects the formality and purpose of the interaction being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in discussions with

Replaces "held talks" with a more formal phrase, emphasizing active participation in a discussion.

conducted negotiations with

Highlights the formal and strategic nature of the discussion, suggesting a focus on reaching an agreement.

had discussions with

A more general and less formal way of saying "held talks", suitable for less official contexts.

met with

Emphasizes the act of meeting for a discussion, without necessarily implying a formal agenda.

conferred with

Suggests a consultation or exchange of opinions, often among experts or officials.

liaised with

Implies establishing a working relationship for communication and coordination.

consulted with

Focuses on seeking advice or guidance from someone.

conversed with

A simple and direct way of saying "talked with", suitable for informal contexts.

communicated with

A broad term that encompasses any form of communication, not necessarily face-to-face.

corresponded with

Indicates communication primarily through written correspondence.

FAQs

What's a more casual way to say "held talks with"?

For less formal situations, you can use alternatives like "spoke with", "chatted with", or "had a conversation with".

How is "held talks with" different from "had a meeting with"?

"Held talks with" suggests a more focused discussion, often involving negotiations or problem-solving. "Had a meeting with" is a broader term that simply indicates a gathering for any purpose.

When is it appropriate to use "held talks with" in writing?

Use "held talks with" when you want to convey a sense of formality and importance, especially in news reports, business communications, or official statements.

What are some synonyms for "held talks with" that emphasize negotiation?

Synonyms that highlight negotiation include "conducted negotiations with", "bargained with", or "brokered a deal with".