in discussions with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in discussions with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone is involved in conversations or negotiations with one or more other people. For example: "The union is in discussions with management to better the working conditions for employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We've been in discussions with them.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not in discussions with anybody.

The Guardian - Sport

The Iraqis are in discussions with themselves.

The New York Times

We're in discussions with all of them".

The New York Times

Mr. Davis said he was in discussions with the owners.

The New York Times

The company says it is in discussions with the department.

The New York Times

The company is also in discussions with car makers.

The Guardian

"We have been in discussions with the company and HMRC.

The Guardian - Business

There is progress in discussions with the troika..

The Guardian - Business

"It was shot down in discussions with the municipality.

The New York Times

Schumacher is in discussions with both companies about potential projects.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in discussions with" when you want to convey that conversations are ongoing, but a final decision hasn't been reached yet. For example, "The company is "in discussions with" potential investors."

Common error

Don't use "in discussions with" when a decision has already been finalized. Instead, use phrases like "reached an agreement with" or "partnered with."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in discussions with" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the act of engaging in conversations or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in discussions with" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate ongoing conversations or negotiations between parties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is primarily used in news, business, and other professional contexts, implying that an agreement or decision is yet to be reached. While versatile, it is important to use it accurately, avoiding its use when a final decision has already been made. Alternatives like "in talks with", "negotiating with", and "in consultation with" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in talks with

Replaces "discussions" with the shorter and more informal "talks".

in negotiation with

Places greater stress on the negotiation aspect compared to a general discussion.

negotiating with

Implies a more formal and structured conversation aimed at reaching an agreement.

in consultation with

Suggests seeking advice or guidance from someone.

in dialogue with

Emphasizes a reciprocal exchange of ideas and perspectives.

conferring with

Emphasizes seeking advice or opinions from someone.

in communication with

Indicates a broader exchange of information, not necessarily focused on a specific issue.

in conference with

More formal, suggesting a structured meeting or gathering.

in contact with

Suggests a simple exchange of information, which is not necessarily regarding a formal negotiation or discussion.

liaising with

Focuses on acting as a link between different parties.

FAQs

What does "in discussions with" mean?

The phrase "in discussions with" means that someone is currently engaged in conversations or negotiations with another party. It indicates an ongoing dialogue, but not necessarily a final agreement.

What can I say instead of "in discussions with"?

You can use alternatives like "in talks with", "negotiating with", or "in consultation with" depending on the specific context.

Is it formal to say "in discussions with"?

The phrase "in discussions with" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It is appropriate for business, news, and academic contexts. Less formal alternatives include "talking to" or "chatting with".

How do I use "in discussions with" in a sentence?

You can use "in discussions with" to indicate ongoing negotiations or conversations. For example: "The government is in discussions with the company regarding the new regulations."