preliminary meetings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary meetings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to initial discussions or gatherings that take place before a main event or decision-making process. Example: "Before we finalize the project plan, we need to hold several preliminary meetings to gather input from all stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Some preliminary meetings were held.

The New York Times

"We have already had preliminary meetings," he explained.

The Guardian

Weeks later, after several phone calls and a few preliminary meetings, Ms. Parker had her answer.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that the board had been holding preliminary meetings with local officials about the expansion.

The New York Times

Washington held several preliminary meetings with a representative of Mullah Muhammad Omar.

The New York Times

"Who says you're good enough anyhow?" That lightly dropped remark had been scripted in the preliminary meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Officials and ministers will meet this November for a preliminary meeting in Poland.

The Guardian

Friday's sortie was a preliminary meeting.

The Guardian

"It was a preliminary meeting," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had one preliminary meeting to essentially just see if they would show up for even a preliminary meeting," Mrs. Clinton said.

The New York Times

American and Russian officials held a preliminary meeting in Geneva, the venue for the projected talks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary meetings" to define the scope and objectives of a project, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the outset.

Common error

Avoid treating "preliminary meetings" as decision-making forums. Their primary purpose is to explore ideas and gather information, not to finalize plans. Ensure that all participants understand that decisions will be made later, based on the input gathered during these initial discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary meetings" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the early stages of discussions or gatherings before a main event or decision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary meetings" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe initial discussions or gatherings before a main event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "initial discussions" or "introductory sessions" exist, the key is to use the phrase to gather input and align stakeholders without treating them as final decision-making forums. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "preliminary meetings" to facilitate productive early-stage communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparatory discussions

Indicates meetings held to prepare for something more significant.

initial discussions

Focuses on the conversational aspect and the early stage of the interaction, rather than the formal meeting structure.

initial consultations

Focuses on the advisory or informational nature of the initial meetings.

introductory sessions

Highlights the purpose of the meetings as an introduction to a topic or process.

exploratory talks

Emphasizes the investigative nature of the meetings, where ideas and possibilities are explored.

pre-negotiation talks

Specifically refers to talks occurring before formal negotiations.

groundwork meetings

Highlights the foundational aspect of these meetings, setting the stage for future actions.

early stage conferences

Highlights that the conferences are in their early phases.

scoping sessions

Focuses on defining the scope or boundaries of a project or discussion.

advance consultations

Emphasizes seeking advice or input beforehand.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The team held several "preliminary meetings" to discuss the project scope" or "Following the "preliminary meetings", a detailed plan was drafted".

What are some alternatives to "preliminary meetings"?

You can use alternatives like "initial discussions", "introductory sessions", or "preparatory discussions" depending on the context.

What is the purpose of holding "preliminary meetings"?

"Preliminary meetings" are held to explore ideas, gather information, and align stakeholders before making key decisions. They help define the scope and objectives of a project or initiative.

Are "preliminary meetings" the same as final decision-making meetings?

No, "preliminary meetings" are distinct from final decision-making meetings. Their purpose is to explore ideas and gather input, while final decisions are typically made later, based on the information gathered during these initial discussions.