initiated talks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiated talks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of discussions or negotiations between parties. Example: "The two countries have initiated talks to resolve their ongoing trade disputes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

And so he initiated talks with the French concern.

The New York Times

French President Francois Hollande initiated talks with the Isreali prime minister.

The Guardian

After a 15-month hiatus the two neighbors have again initiated talks.

The New York Times

Donald Watkins, a Birmingham, Ala., banker and energy entrepreneur, has initiated talks with Pohlad about buying the Twins.

The New York Times - Sports

Representative Jan Schakowsky also called, and the regulator initiated talks with the bank and the state legislature.

The New York Times

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that United President Kevin Payne initiated talks last fall after Volkswagen announced it would move its U.S. headquarters to nearby Herndon, Va.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But she never initiated talking about it.

The New York Times

In the present study, the majority of women spontaneously initiated talk about their own impending death during interviews.

BMC Palliative Care

In some cases patients initiated talk about their own impending death and more rarely, requested interviews to discuss their own impending death.

BMC Palliative Care

An impressive, controversy-free Tyson victory might be enough to initiate talks about a title fight between Tyson and Lennox Lewis.

The New York Times - Sports

Her supporters made it clear the new government would take its time before initiating talks with Brussels.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context. "Commenced negotiations" might be more appropriate for formal settings, while "began discussions" is suitable for more general use.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "initiated talks" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "started talking" or "began discussing" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiated talks" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of discussions or negotiations. It typically requires a subject (who initiated the talks) and often includes an object specifying the topic or parties involved. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "initiated talks" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the commencement of discussions or negotiations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-suited for use in various contexts, especially within news reporting, academic writing, and business communications. While "initiated talks" is generally appropriate, consider the level of formality required; in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "started discussions" may be more fitting. The frequency analysis shows that the phrase is very common, particularly in news and media, underscoring its broad applicability and recognition. The related phrases such as "began discussions" or "commenced negotiations" offer nuances in meaning and formality, further enhancing its utility in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began discussions

Emphasizes the start of a conversation or debate.

commenced negotiations

More formal, highlighting the beginning of a formal negotiation process.

started conversations

A more casual way to describe the beginning of dialogues.

opened dialogues

Suggests the establishment of open communication channels.

launched discussions

Implies a formal or structured start to discussions.

undertook negotiations

Focuses on the action of starting a negotiation process.

engaged in talks

Highlights the active participation in early discussions.

broached the subject

Refers to introducing a topic for discussion, often delicate or sensitive.

opened up communications

Focuses on the establishment of broader communication.

set up discussions

Suggests arranging or scheduling talks to take place.

FAQs

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

You can use "initiated talks" to describe the beginning of a conversation or negotiation. For example, "The company "initiated talks" with the union to discuss new contracts."

What are some alternatives to "initiated talks"?

Alternatives include "began discussions", "commenced negotiations", or "started conversations". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "initiated talks" formal or informal?

"Initiated talks" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, news, or academic contexts. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "initiated talks" and "started discussions"?

While similar, "initiated talks" often implies a more structured or official beginning to discussions, especially in contexts like negotiations or formal agreements. "Started discussions" is more general and can apply to less formal contexts.