is in talks with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in talks with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that discussions or negotiations are taking place between parties, often in a business or diplomatic context. Example: "The company is in talks with potential investors to secure funding for its new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Acccording to PaidContent UK T-Mobile is "in talks" with Apple.

TechCrunch

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

MyEye is in talks with potential American celebrity ambassadors.

Independent

It is in talks with bankers about financing this deal.

The Guardian - Business

Still, he is in talks with overseas galleries for a possible permanent installation.

The New York Times - Arts

The company is in talks with additional dealers in five other European countries, he said.

The New York Times

It is in talks with several different potential distributors, one of the people said.

The New York Times

RYANAIR is in talks with aircraft manufacturers about the acquisition of up to 300 planes.

The Economist

General Mills is in talks with Yoplait to buy a majority stake in the brand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is in talks with", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the discussions to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company "is in talks with" investors regarding funding" is clearer than "The company "is in talks with" investors."

Common error

Avoid implying a deal is imminent when using "is in talks with". This phrase indicates discussions are ongoing, not that an agreement has been reached. Prematurely announcing a deal can damage negotiations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in talks with" functions as a verbal phrase indicating ongoing negotiations or discussions. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, from business deals to potential partnerships, highlighting its function to introduce the idea that negotiation are in place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in talks with" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that parties are engaged in discussions or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While it's a neutral phrase, it's crucial to avoid overstating the certainty of an agreement when using it. Consider alternatives like "is negotiating with" or "is discussing with" for nuances in formality and emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "is in talks with" to convey information accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in negotiation with

Synonymous, but places emphasis on the state of negotiation rather than the act.

is negotiating with

Focuses specifically on the act of negotiation, implying a more formal setting.

is in discussions with

A more formal and emphatic version of "is discussing with".

is engaged in talks with

Emphasizes the active participation in discussions.

is discussing with

Implies a broader conversation, not necessarily leading to a formal agreement.

is conferring with

Suggests a more collaborative and advisory tone to the discussions.

is consulting with

Implies seeking expert advice or guidance during the discussions.

is exploring options with

Suggests a preliminary stage where different possibilities are being considered.

is exploring collaboration with

Focuses on the potential for cooperative efforts.

is considering a partnership with

Implies discussions specifically related to forming an alliance or joint venture.

FAQs

What does "is in talks with" mean?

The phrase "is in talks with" means that two or more parties are currently engaged in discussions or negotiations, typically with the aim of reaching an agreement or exploring a potential partnership.

What can I say instead of "is in talks with"?

You can use alternatives such as "is negotiating with", "is discussing with", or "is in discussions with" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "is in talks with" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or news contexts. However, for highly formal or academic contexts, consider using "is negotiating with" or "is in discussions with".

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

You can use "is in talks with" to indicate that someone or some entity is currently discussing a potential deal, partnership, or agreement. For example, "The company "is in talks with" a potential buyer."