preliminary discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to initial conversations or meetings that take place before a more formal or detailed discussion occurs. Example: "We held preliminary discussions to outline the main objectives of the project before moving forward with the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are preliminary discussions".

The New York Times

"But these are preliminary discussions".

The New York Times

"But that's as far as these preliminary discussions have gone".

The New York Times

The Trump Tower deal never moved past preliminary discussions.

The Washington Post

He rarely wrote dialogue in these preliminary discussions with himself.

The New York Times

The city is also in preliminary discussions with two hotel chains.

The New York Times

Preliminary discussions between those companies and H.R.A. were to begin March 2 , 1999

The New York Times

"He has held preliminary discussions about the county executive's race with Chairman Mondello," Mr. Siben said.

The New York Times

"Only very preliminary discussions have taken place thus far," he said.

The New York Times

A McCarter spokesman confirmed that the theater was in "very preliminary" discussions with Mr. Simon.

The New York Times

Anthony Rickards, a cardiologist, was involved in preliminary discussions but died before the research was conducted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary discussions", ensure the context clearly indicates that these are early-stage conversations and not final decisions. This helps avoid misinterpretations about the commitment level.

Common error

Avoid making firm commitments or public announcements based solely on "preliminary discussions". Emphasize their exploratory nature to manage expectations appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary discussions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the initial phase of conversations or negotiations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates early-stage talks before any formal agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary discussions" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe initial conversations or negotiations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business settings. The phrase's function is to convey that talks are in an early stage, with no firm decisions yet made. Related phrases include ""initial conversations"" and ""introductory talks"". When using the phrase, it's best practice to manage expectations by clearly indicating that these discussions are exploratory and not indicative of final agreements. Avoid assuming too much based solely on "preliminary discussions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial conversations

Focuses on the early and informal nature of the talks.

introductory talks

Emphasizes the start or beginning phase of discussions.

exploratory dialogues

Highlights the investigative and probing aspect of the discussions.

early negotiations

Indicates that these discussions are the first steps in a negotiation process.

preparatory talks

Stresses that these discussions are in preparation for something more substantial.

initial deliberations

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration at the beginning.

opening exchanges

Focuses on the initial communications and sharing of information.

scoping conversations

Highlights the process of defining the scope or boundaries of a topic.

informal consultations

Stresses the unofficial and advisory character of the discussions.

groundwork discussions

Emphasizes that these discussions lay the foundation for future progress.

FAQs

How can I use "preliminary discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary discussions" to describe the initial stages of a conversation or negotiation. For example, "The companies are engaged in "preliminary discussions" about a potential merger."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary discussions"?

Some alternatives to "preliminary discussions" include "initial conversations", "introductory talks", or "exploratory dialogues", depending on the context.

Are "preliminary discussions" the same as negotiations?

No, "preliminary discussions" are not the same as negotiations. Negotiations are more formal and aim to reach a specific agreement, while "preliminary discussions" are exploratory and fact-finding.

What's the difference between "preliminary discussions" and "final agreements"?

"Preliminary discussions" represent the early stages of exploring a topic or proposal, while "final agreements" are the conclusive results of negotiations or deliberations.