negotiate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negotiate with" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use the phrase to express that you are working with someone to try and come to a mutually acceptable agreement on something. For example, "We had to negotiate with the landlord to reach a fair rent agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You cannot negotiate with death.

Independent

You can't negotiate with that!

The Economist

He should negotiate with them.

The New York Times

Nobody has to negotiate with me".

The New York Times

They have to negotiate with individual hospitals.

The New Yorker

"We will negotiate with their masters".

The New York Times

At least negotiate with me on that".

The New York Times

"Insurance companies do not negotiate with physicians.

The New York Times

"We should not negotiate with the Taliban.

The New York Times

"I tried to negotiate with God.

Independent

Have you tried to negotiate with them?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "negotiate with", clearly identify both parties involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company needs to negotiate with the union representatives."

Common error

Avoid substituting "with" for other prepositions like "for" or omitting it entirely. "Negotiate a contract" is different from "negotiate with a client".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negotiate with" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring a direct object (the person or entity being negotiated with). This is confirmed by Ludwig, which validates its usability. The phrase indicates the act of engaging in discussions to reach an agreement or compromise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "negotiate with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe engaging in discussions aimed at reaching an agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media, and its usage spans from formal business contexts to more informal settings. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly identify the parties involved to avoid ambiguity, and also to avoid the mistake of using wrong prepositions. Alternatives such as "bargain with" or "confer with" can be used depending on the specific context you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bargain with

Focuses on haggling or discussing the terms of a transaction, often price-related.

discuss terms with

Emphasizes the act of talking about the specific conditions or provisions of an agreement.

confer with

Suggests a more formal consultation or exchange of views before making a decision.

mediate with

Involves acting as an intermediary to help two or more parties reach an agreement.

arbitrate with

Implies a more formal process where a neutral third party makes a binding decision.

reach an agreement with

Focuses on the outcome of the negotiation process, the successful conclusion.

settle with

Suggests resolving a dispute or claim, often involving compromise.

engage in dialogue with

Highlights the interactive communication aspect of the negotiation.

parley with

A more formal or archaic term for discussing terms with an enemy or opponent.

talk terms with

A less formal way to describe discussing the details of an agreement.

FAQs

How do you use "negotiate with" in a sentence?

The phrase "negotiate with" is used to describe the process of discussing terms to reach an agreement. For example, "The company will "negotiate with" the suppliers to lower costs."

What can I say instead of "negotiate with"?

You can use alternatives like "bargain with", "discuss terms with", or "confer with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "negotiate a deal" instead of "negotiate with"?

While "negotiate a deal" focuses on the object of negotiation (the deal itself), "negotiate with" emphasizes the parties involved in the discussion. Both are grammatically correct but have slightly different meanings.

When is it inappropriate to "negotiate with" someone?

The phrase implies a willingness to compromise and find common ground. It is often considered inappropriate to "negotiate with" entities like terrorists or individuals who are unwilling to engage in good-faith discussions.