negotiator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negotiator" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to someone who engages in negotiations, typically in a professional or formal context. Example: "The negotiator successfully reached an agreement between the two parties." Alternative expressions include "mediator" and "bargainer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both Muhammad Javad Zarif, the minister, and Abbas Araqchi, his deputy, who had follow-up discussions with America's lead negotiator, Wendy Sherman, spoke in fluent English.After years of frustration and an impasse in negotiations between Iran and six world powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, known as the P5+1), it is too soon to talk of a breakthrough.

The Economist

In a video, Lt Jack Cambria, hostage negotiator, advises officers not to destroy their careers "for a moment of indiscretion".

The Guardian

The party's chief negotiator, Martin McGuinness, has warned that the effects of suspension on nationalist and republican opinion should not be underestimated.

The Guardian

"I am heartened to see corporate leadership in this area," said Amjad Abdulla of the Maldives, chief negotiator for the alliance in Bonn.

The Guardian

The final opinion polls – released on Friday ahead of a four-day moratorium on publishing surveys of voter intentions – put the centre-left Zionist Union, headed by opposition leader Yitzhak Herzog and former peace negotiator Tzipi Livni, ahead with 25 to 26 seats, and Netanyahu's Likud taking 20 to 22 in the 120-seat Knesset.

The Guardian

Alex Attwood, the SDLP's Stormont House talks negotiator and an assembly member, called for an end to "brinkmanship" but added: "On 8 July, a Tory chancellor will deliver a budget full of further cuts to public spending and social security.

The Guardian

A crowd gathered at Tehran's Mehrabad airport on Friday morning as Zarif, the country's chief nuclear negotiator, and his team arrived from Switzerland, where they agreed a framework deal that provides the basis for a more comprehensive nuclear agreement.

The Guardian

Netanyahu's remarks were also quickly discounted by the chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, in a statement released by his office.

The Guardian

Deputy first minister and Sinn Féin negotiator, Martin McGuinness, appealed for unionists to calm down over the controversy, saying: "No sensible person will thank anyone for threatening these institutions".

The Guardian

Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein's chief negotiator, said: 'In reality today's remarks by Mark Durkan are an effort by him to make his party relevant going into the elections.

The Guardian

Peter Reedy, an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and former sergeant, argues officers were wrong to rush into a tense stand-off with their guns drawn and ended up aggravating a situation they should have diffused.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "negotiator" when you want to emphasize the role of someone who is actively involved in discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "negotiator" has the final decision-making power. Their role is often to represent a party's interests and work towards a mutually agreeable solution, but the final decision may rest with others.

Linguistic Context

The word "negotiator" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual who engages in negotiations. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals in diverse settings, from international relations to hostage situations, aligning with the dictionary definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "negotiator" is a very common and grammatically correct noun that refers to an individual involved in discussions aimed at reaching an agreement. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, as well as Ludwig AI summary, confirms its prevalent use in news, formal, and business contexts. While synonyms like "mediator" or "diplomat" exist, "negotiator" specifically highlights the active role in bargaining and advocating for a particular position. When using the term, it's best to specify the context of the negotiation for greater clarity. Avoiding assumptions about a "negotiator's" final decision-making power is also crucial, as their role often involves representation rather than ultimate authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mediator

Focuses on facilitating agreement between disputing parties.

arbitrator

Highlights the role of impartially settling a dispute.

conciliator

Emphasizes bringing conflicting parties into agreement.

bargainer

Highlights the act of haggling over terms.

diplomat

Suggests a role in international negotiations.

interlocutor

Focuses on the person involved in a dialogue or conversation.

liaison

Implies a role as a communication link between parties.

representative

Highlights the role of acting on behalf of a group.

delegate

Suggests a person chosen to represent a group's interests.

agent

Implies a role as someone authorized to act for another.

FAQs

How to use "negotiator" in a sentence?

A "negotiator" is someone who engages in negotiations. For example, "The union sent a skilled "negotiator" to represent their interests during the contract talks".

What are some skills that make a good negotiator?

Key skills for a successful negotiator include effective communication, active listening, strategic thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What can I say instead of "negotiator"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mediator", "arbitrator", or "diplomat" to describe someone involved in discussions.

What's the difference between a "negotiator" and a "mediator"?

While both are involved in resolving disputes, a "negotiator" represents a specific party's interests, whereas a "mediator" is a neutral third party who facilitates communication and helps parties reach a voluntary agreement.