in talks

USAGE SUMMARY

"in talks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when two opposing parties are discussing something or in negotiations. For example: The governments of the two countries have been in talks for weeks to reach a trade agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In talks over the planned I.P.O.

The New York Times

leader, can wear that hat in talks.

The New York Times

He is in talks with N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Irvington is in talks with MRP.

The Economist

Even, it seems, in talks between Serbia and Kosovo.

The Economist

The companies have been in talks since last year.

The New York Times

"We are always in talks," he said.

The New York Times

*Dell in talks to acquire India.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Color insert in talk.

The New Yorker

People are terrified in talking about death".

The New York Times

There was no point in talking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in talks" to indicate active discussions or negotiations between parties, particularly when the outcome is still uncertain. For example, "The company is in talks with potential investors."

Common error

Avoid replacing "in" with other prepositions like "on" or "at" when using "talks". The correct phrase is "in talks", not "on talks" or "at talks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in talks" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the state of ongoing discussions or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. As seen in the examples, it typically modifies verbs to indicate that someone or something is engaged in discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in talks" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that discussions or negotiations are ongoing between two or more parties. According to Ludwig, it functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying verbs to describe the state of active discussions. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reports and business communications to general conversations. While alternatives like ""in negotiations"" or ""in discussions"" can be used, it's important to maintain the correct preposition ("in") to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in negotiations

Focuses specifically on formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

in discussions

A more general term for conversations, not necessarily leading to an agreement.

in communication

Emphasizes the exchange of information rather than a negotiation.

in conference

Suggests a formal meeting or session for discussion.

negotiating terms

Highlights the specific activity of bargaining and setting conditions.

hammering out a deal

Suggests an intense and potentially difficult negotiation process.

brokering an agreement

Implies mediation or facilitation in reaching a consensus.

ironing out the details

Focuses on resolving minor issues to finalize an arrangement.

exploring possibilities

Indicates an early stage of discussion, with no commitment yet.

considering options

Suggests a deliberative process of weighing different choices.

FAQs

What does "in talks" mean?

The phrase "in talks" means that two or more parties are currently discussing something, often with the goal of reaching an agreement or making a decision. It implies ongoing negotiations or discussions.

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

You can use "in talks" to describe ongoing discussions between parties. For example: "The government is "in negotiations" with the union" or "The companies are "in discussions" about a possible merger."

What can I say instead of "in talks"?

You can use alternatives like ""in negotiations"", ""in discussions"", or "in communication" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on talks" instead of "in talks"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "talks" in this context is "in". Saying "on talks" is grammatically incorrect. Use "in talks" to indicate ongoing discussions.