started negotiating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started negotiating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of discussions or bargaining over terms or conditions, typically in a business or legal context. Example: "After several meetings, we finally started negotiating the terms of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soon her lawyers started negotiating prices for her medical care.

The New York Times

We have not even started negotiating that yet.

The Guardian

Two months ago, it started negotiating to buy Hynix, a struggling South Korean rival.

The Economist

Gradually, as the studios started negotiating with competing chains, this method of platform release was abandoned.

The New Yorker

Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters Sunday that she had started negotiating with independent lawmakers.

The New York Times

Nor has Russia started negotiating with drug firms for cheap anti-retroviral drugs.

The Economist

He started negotiating to represent producers in deals with American television.

The New York Times - Arts

After we started negotiating with Johanan, we recognized that he was very tough".

The New Yorker

At the same time, Fidelity started negotiating with Massport to lease more adjacent land.

The New York Times

How the electric car company faced bankruptcy in 2013 and started negotiating a sale to Google.

MIT Technology Review

"After I got my rent lowered here, I started negotiating with everyone," Mr. King said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started negotiating", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negotiated and with whom. Providing specifics enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "started negotiating" without specifying the subject of the negotiation. Vague statements can leave the audience confused about the context and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started negotiating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a negotiation process. It is commonly used to describe the initiation of discussions or bargaining between parties, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started negotiating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the commencement of discussions or bargaining. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news and media, science and wiki contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is being negotiated and with whom to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "began negotiating" or "initiated negotiations" for varying levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began negotiating

Replaces "started" with "began", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

initiated negotiations

Uses a more formal term "initiated" instead of "started", and replaces "negotiating" with the noun form "negotiations".

entered into negotiations

Indicates the act of formally beginning the negotiation process.

commenced discussions

Employs "commenced" for "started" and "discussions" instead of "negotiating", suggesting a broader, less formal exchange.

launched discussions

Similar to 'commenced discussions' but implies a more proactive start.

embarked on negotiations

Suggests a more involved and potentially lengthy negotiation process.

undertook negotiations

Emphasizes the commitment to engage in negotiations.

opened talks

A more concise and informal way of saying "started negotiating".

set about negotiating

Suggests a deliberate and focused approach to starting negotiations.

engaged in initial bargaining

Highlights the bargaining aspect of the negotiation process from the very beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "started negotiating" in a sentence?

You can use "started negotiating" to indicate the beginning of discussions or bargaining over terms or conditions. For example: "The company "started negotiating" with the union representatives last week".

What can I say instead of "started negotiating"?

You can use alternatives like "began negotiating", "initiated negotiations", or "commenced discussions" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "started negotiating" or "began to negotiate"?

"Started negotiating" and "began to negotiate" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although ""started negotiating"" is more concise.

What's the difference between "started negotiating" and "in negotiations"?

"Started negotiating" indicates the action of beginning the negotiation process, while "in negotiations" suggests that the process is ongoing.