preliminary talks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary talks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to initial discussions or negotiations that take place before formal agreements or decisions are made. Example: "The two companies engaged in preliminary talks to explore potential collaboration on a new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brazil has declared the preliminary talks a success.

The Guardian

Mullah Omar is not a participant in the preliminary talks.

The New Yorker

Preliminary talks on a rescue package had already taken place.

The New York Times

They have had preliminary talks with Mawae's agent.

The New York Times - Sports

There are some preliminary talks this weekend in Washington.

The New York Times

Smith & Nephew said on Nov. 2 that it had held "very preliminary talks" with Biomet.

The New York Times

After preliminary talks, a meeting was held between the principals on Dec. 29.

The New York Times

Dave Anderson, a spokesman for Charter, said: "We've only had preliminary talks with the N.B.A.

The New York Times - Sports

Representatives of the parties began preliminary talks under South African mediation last week.

The New York Times

Citigroup has made two passes at Deutsche Bank, holding preliminary talks last summer and in January.

The New York Times

Stern and Hunter said they had begun preliminary talks for a new labor deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about multiple sets of talks, ensure clarity by specifying the subject or parties involved in each set of "preliminary talks" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary talks" interchangeably with "final negotiations". "Preliminary talks" denote an exploratory phase, whereas final negotiations involve concrete decision-making and agreement. Recognize the difference in the stage and purpose of the discussions you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary talks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action or process of initial discussions, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary talks" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the initial phase of discussions before formal negotiations. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's most frequently found in news and media, with neutral register. While the phrase is clear and consistently applied, be mindful of not confusing it with "final negotiations". Alternatives like "initial discussions" or "exploratory conversations" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial discussions

Focuses on the beginning stage of discussing a topic, similar to preliminary talks but broader.

introductory negotiations

Emphasizes the opening phase of formal negotiations, akin to preliminary talks with a negotiation focus.

early stage discussions

Highlights the early phase of discussions, suggesting a less formal tone than "preliminary talks".

exploratory conversations

Stresses the investigatory nature of the talks, where ideas are being explored.

initial consultations

Highlights the act of seeking advice or information at the start of a process.

first round of negotiations

Emphasizes the first in a series of negotiations, suggesting a structured process.

opening discussions

Focuses on the commencement of discussions, highlighting the start.

informal discussions

Underscores the lack of formality in the discussions, suggesting a relaxed setting.

groundwork talks

Indicates talks aimed at laying the foundation for future agreements or actions.

preparatory meetings

Emphasizes meetings held to prepare for more formal discussions or events.

FAQs

What does "preliminary talks" mean?

"Preliminary talks" refer to the initial discussions or conversations held between parties before engaging in more formal negotiations or decision-making processes. They are exploratory in nature and help set the stage for future interactions.

How do I use "preliminary talks" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary talks" to describe the beginning stages of a discussion. For example: "The two companies engaged in "preliminary talks" to explore a potential merger."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary talks"?

Alternatives to "preliminary talks" include "initial discussions", "introductory negotiations", or "exploratory conversations", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "preliminary talks" and "final negotiations"?

"Preliminary talks" are exploratory and aim to identify common ground, while "final negotiations" involve concrete proposals and aim to reach a binding agreement. The former is an initial step, while the latter is a concluding phase.