in talks with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in talks with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two or more parties have begun discussing an issue or topic. For example, "The two companies are currently in talks with each other about a potential merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is in talks with N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Irvington is in talks with MRP.

The Economist

Mr Sarkozy's government is in talks with the unions.

The Economist

Latvia says it is not in talks with the IMF.

The Economist

TheCityUK is also in talks with Dubai, Istanbul and Moscow.

The Economist

Morgan was said to be in talks with the broadcaster.

Independent

The other firms are still in talks with the state.

The Economist

MyEye is in talks with potential American celebrity ambassadors.

Independent

(They are now in talks with potential investors and sponsors).

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Gorman's involvement in talks with Moody's is hardly surprising.

The New York Times

(America's Citigroup has reportedly been in talks with Deutsche Bank).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in talks with", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject of the discussions. Provide specific details or context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in talks with" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "negotiating with" or "consulting with" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in talks with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe a person or entity that is currently engaged in discussions or negotiations with another party. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in talks with" is a very common and generally neutral prepositional phrase used to indicate that discussions or negotiations are ongoing between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its usage extends to formal and business contexts as well. For more formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives such as "negotiating with" or "in negotiation with". When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject of the discussions to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in discussions with

A more general term suggesting conversations are taking place, without necessarily implying formal negotiations.

in negotiation with

Similar to negotiating with, but emphasizes the state of being engaged in negotiation.

negotiating with

Focuses on the act of formal negotiation, often implying specific terms and agreements are being discussed.

discussing with

Highlights the act of talking about something with someone, less formal than negotiations.

meeting with

A general term for getting together to discuss something, can be formal or informal.

in conversation with

Suggests a more informal exchange of ideas or information.

liaising with

Emphasizes coordination and communication between parties, often in a professional context.

consulting with

Implies seeking advice or expert opinions from someone.

in conference with

Suggests a formal meeting or gathering for discussions.

corresponding with

Emphasizes written communication and exchange of information.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "in talks with" someone?

Being "in talks with" someone means you are engaged in discussions or negotiations, typically with the goal of reaching an agreement or understanding.

What are some alternatives to saying "in talks with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "negotiating with", "in discussions with", or "meeting with".

Is it appropriate to use "in talks with" in formal writing?

While "in talks with" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "in negotiation with" or "consulting with" might be preferred in certain formal contexts.

How do I use "in talks with" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "in talks with" by specifying who is having discussions with whom, such as "The company is in talks with potential investors".