talks underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "talks underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that discussions or negotiations are currently in progress. Example: "There are talks underway between the two companies to explore a potential merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Illinois General Assembly adjourned in February to reassemble later, by which time Democrats hoped to have armistice talks underway.

The New York Times

With talks underway on a new three-year contract for Sir Bernard, there are fears he could become the collateral damage in that battle.

Independent

Harvey Bale, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associationssaidaid talks underway this week at the World Trade Organization had too wide a focus.

The New York Times

U.S. State Department officials also have been nervous about the coming report, concerned that the release of details of Taliban atrocities in the late 1990s could upset delicate negotiations to get peace talks underway.

The New York Times

"The presidential guard is negotiating the conditions of its surrender to the head of the army," said a senior military source, referring to talks underway in Ouagadougou's Camp Guillaume Ouedraogo.

The Guardian

Netanyahu is thought to be acting under heavy pressure from the US secretary of state, John Kerry, who has invested four months of intensive diplomacy to get preliminary talks underway.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Although Starbucks has declined to comment, a source confirmed to Reuters that talks were underway.

Independent

As host, Peru is eager for success at the climate talks now underway in Lima.

The Guardian

Talks are underway on what kind of statement can be issued to calm market fears over eurozone debt.

The New York Times

IT SEEMS appropriate that the latest attempt to revive the Doha round of global trade talks is underway in Delhi.

The Economist

Talks are underway to secure more funding for the company behind the product, of which she is the majority owner.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "talks underway", ensure the context clearly indicates who is involved in the discussions and the subject matter being discussed. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "talks were underway" when the discussions are still ongoing. "Talks underway" indicates the process is currently happening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talks underway" functions as a noun phrase, indicating that discussions or negotiations are currently taking place. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, most of them from news and media. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "talks underway" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe ongoing discussions or negotiations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "negotiations underway" exist, "talks underway" maintains a neutral tone, making it versatile for both formal and informal settings. Remember to use the present form to indicate ongoing discussions. Given its consistent application across authoritative sources, "talks underway" is a reliable choice for conveying that discussions are currently in progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negotiations underway

This alternative uses "negotiations" instead of "talks", implying a more formal and structured discussion.

discussions in progress

This option is a more general way to describe ongoing conversations or deliberations.

consultations are in progress

This emphasizes the act of seeking advice or opinions from different parties.

dialogue in progress

This suggests a more cooperative and less confrontational exchange than "talks underway".

deliberations are ongoing

This implies a more formal and considered process of discussion and decision-making.

conversations are happening

This is a simpler and less formal way to express the idea of ongoing talks.

engagements are underway

This suggests active involvement and interaction between parties.

meetings are in progress

Focuses on the formal aspect of people getting together to discuss about something.

conferences are happening

Similar to "meetings are in progress", but emphasizes a larger scale and possibly a more formal setting.

sessions are ongoing

This refers to structured periods of discussion or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "talks underway" in a sentence?

You can use "talks underway" to indicate ongoing discussions or negotiations. For example, "There are talks underway between the company and the union."

What's the difference between "negotiations underway" and "talks underway"?

"Negotiations underway" typically implies a more formal and structured discussion process compared to the more general "talks underway".

What can I say instead of "talks underway"?

You can use alternatives like "discussions in progress", "dialogue in progress", or "conversations are happening" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "talks were underway"?

Yes, "talks were underway" is grammatically correct, but it indicates that the talks were in progress at a specific time in the past. "Talks underway" implies that the discussions are currently ongoing.