informal talks with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informal talks with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to casual or unofficial discussions between individuals or groups. Example: "The leaders engaged in informal talks with each other to discuss potential collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The findings and information gathered via participatory observation were complemented by qualitative interviews and informal talks with the stakeholders in each case study.

Ecological Processes

Industry sources believe he has held informal talks with executives at the corporation, however.

The Guardian

"We had several informal talks with ver.di over the past few weeks," Ms. Höger said during an interview.

The New York Times - Tech

Following dinner there will be informal talks with Kenneth T. Jackson, Ric Burns, Eric Foner and other historians.

The New York Times

7 January 2010: Cadbury holds informal talks with Hershey about a friendly deal to avoid Kraft's clutches.

The Guardian - Business

The Department of Transportation also confirmed through a spokeswoman that it was in informal talks with the company.

The New York Times

They have already held informal talks with United and the England captain's advisers and hope to conclude a deal swiftly.

The Guardian - Sport

The more important political prize for the governor is on his agenda, however – informal talks with the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

Independent

The unrest over the coalition arrangement was intensified by claims that Mr Kennedy had held "informal talks" with Labour whips about his future.

Independent

Though informal talks with various factions have been going on all year, the groups have continued killing labor leaders, human rights workers and peasants and trafficking in cocaine.

The New York Times

Dudman went to Liverpool for informal talks with members of the Hillsborough Families Support Group but a formal approach to speak to the group was rejected.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "informal talks with", ensure the context aligns with a relaxed, non-binding discussion. It's suitable for preliminary discussions before formal negotiations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "informal talks with" as a definitive agreement or policy decision. These discussions are preliminary and not legally binding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal talks with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the manner in which discussions or conversations are conducted. It provides context regarding the nature of the talks, emphasizing their casual and non-binding characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "informal talks with" describes preliminary, non-binding discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the relaxed, exploratory nature of the discussions, as overstating their importance can be misleading. Alternatives include "casual conversations with" and "preliminary discussions with". The usage of the term is neutral and can be applied to a variety of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unofficial discussions with

Emphasizes the lack of official status or recognition of the discussions.

casual conversations with

Focuses on the relaxed nature of the discussions, emphasizing the lack of strict agenda or formality.

off-the-record talks with

Emphasizes that the talks are not intended for public disclosure.

preliminary discussions with

Highlights the early stage of the talks, suggesting they are setting the stage for more formal negotiations.

exploratory discussions with

Highlights the exploratory nature of the talks, suggesting they are aimed at gathering information or assessing possibilities.

initial exchanges with

Focuses on the beginning of the communication, rather than the depth or formality.

low-key negotiations with

Suggests a more subtle approach to negotiations.

private conversations with

Highlights the confidentiality of the discussions.

chats with

Simplifies the term, making it less formal.

heart-to-heart with

Suggests a sincere and intimate discussion.

FAQs

What does "informal talks with" mean?

The phrase "informal talks with" indicates preliminary, casual discussions or conversations between parties, often before more formal negotiations or agreements take place.

What's a good alternative to "informal talks with"?

Alternatives include "casual conversations with", "preliminary discussions with", or "unofficial discussions with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "informal talks with" to describe initial discussions that are not yet formal negotiations, such as, "The company held "informal talks with" the union representatives to explore potential solutions."

What's the difference between "informal talks with" and formal negotiations?

"Informal talks with" are preliminary discussions, often exploratory and non-binding. Formal negotiations involve structured discussions with the goal of reaching a legally binding agreement. If the goal is a better description of formal negotiations then you can use formal negotiations