talks have been held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talks have been held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that discussions or negotiations have taken place, often in a formal context. Example: "After several weeks of negotiations, talks have been held between the two parties to reach a mutual agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talks have been held with the International Olympic Committee.

The Guardian - Arts

These talks have been held hostage by the EU.

The Guardian

Countless talks have been held over the years but until now they always broke down.

The Economist

Talks have been held with Auckland and Sydney, which could host events in January and February.

Independent

Talks have been held in the past with insurgent groups with mixed results.

The Economist

But no talks have been held pending the Senate consideration of the first pact.

The New York Times

Guardian Australia understands that talks have been held to find a face-saving compromise.

The Guardian

Military and Red Cross talks have been held here over the decades without incident.

The Washington Post

No bargaining talks have been held since June 30, hours before the lockout began, and no sessions are scheduled.

The New York Times

Initial talks have been held between the hermit kingdom and Japan (in Hanoi, Vietnam) and America (in New York).

The Economist

He then met separately with rebel negotiators in the Laguito neighbourhood, where peace talks have been held since 2012.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing news or formal communication, consider using synonyms such as "discussions took place" or "negotiations transpired" to add variety and formality to your writing.

Common error

While "talks have been held" is grammatically correct, avoid excessive use of passive voice in your writing. Too many passive constructions can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Balance passive constructions with active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talks have been held" functions as a statement indicating that discussions or negotiations have occurred. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. This structure sets the stage for reporting on the outcomes or consequences of these discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "talks have been held" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for indicating that discussions or negotiations have occurred, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and formal business contexts, this phrase serves the purpose of informing an audience about past dialogues. Although versatile, it's crucial to maintain writing balance by avoiding excessive passive voice. By considering suitable alternatives like ""discussions took place"" for slight nuanced intent, writers can ensure their communication remains precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussions took place

Replaces the verb phrase, focusing on the action of discussing rather than the state of having held talks.

negotiations transpired

Emphasizes the occurrence of formal negotiations, suggesting a more structured setting.

conversations occurred

Highlights the informal exchange of ideas, suitable when the context is less formal.

meetings were conducted

Focuses on the structured nature of meetings, implying a formal arrangement.

consultations were undertaken

Indicates a process of seeking advice and exchanging information, emphasizing thoroughness.

dialogues were initiated

Suggests the beginning of a conversation or series of conversations.

summits were convened

Implies a high-level meeting, typically involving leaders or representatives.

conferences were organized

Focuses on arranging and executing conferences, emphasizing planning and structure.

sessions were scheduled

Highlights the planning and arrangement of sessions, emphasizing timing and logistics.

arrangements were discussed

Emphasizes planning and organization, implying that practical details were addressed.

FAQs

What does "talks have been held" mean?

The phrase "talks have been held" means that discussions or negotiations have taken place between two or more parties. It indicates that the process of conversation or negotiation has occurred, without necessarily implying a specific outcome.

What can I say instead of "talks have been held"?

You can use alternatives like "discussions took place", "negotiations transpired", or "conversations occurred" depending on the context.

Is "talks have been held" formal or informal?

"Talks have been held" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for news reports, official statements, and business communications. For more informal contexts, you might opt for phrases like "they talked" or "they discussed things".

Is it correct to say "talks were held" instead of "talks have been held"?

Both "talks were held" and "talks have been held" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Talks were held" refers to a specific event in the past, while "talks have been held" implies that talks have occurred at some point up to the present, possibly with ongoing implications or relevance.