they are negotiating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are negotiating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where two or more parties are discussing terms or conditions in order to reach an agreement. Example: "The two companies are currently negotiating a merger that could change the landscape of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are negotiating.

The New York Times

They are negotiating bilateral agreements with ten more.

The Economist

Now they are negotiating on 24-hour news.

The Guardian

"It's almost as if they are negotiating for everybody.

The New York Times

They are negotiating a bilateral investment treaty that American officials say is economically ambitious for China.

The Economist

"They are negotiating to reduce the amount of money," Mr. Coles said.

The New York Times

In Peterborough and Cambridgeshire they are negotiating an £800m contract for elderly care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Company officials have said that they are negotiating with developers to create a mixed-use development.

The New York Times

They are negotiating on an issue that is a matter of life and death.

The Guardian

Doesn't the public have a right to know whom they are negotiating with — or against?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For stronger bosses it can improve their bargaining position when they are negotiating with the boards that are supposed to supervise them.This trend may be a cause and effect of rising executive pay.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "they are in discussions" or "they are bargaining" to avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "they are negotiating" when the parties are merely exchanging information or having a casual conversation. Negotiation implies a deliberate effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or compromise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are negotiating" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing action performed by a group. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in news and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are negotiating" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an ongoing process of discussion and bargaining aimed at reaching an agreement. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used in news, business, and formal contexts. While synonyms like "they are in talks" or "they are bargaining" can add variety, it's essential to ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to. Also, be mindful that negotiation implies a deliberate effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement, not just a casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are in discussions

Replaces "negotiating" with a broader term, suggesting a less formal stage.

they are in talks

A more concise and informal alternative to "they are in discussions".

they are bargaining

Emphasizes the exchange of offers and counter-offers.

they are working towards an agreement

Focuses on the progression and goal of the negotiation.

they are hammering out a deal

Suggests a more intense and effortful negotiation process.

they are in the process of agreeing

Highlights that they are in a course to reach an agreement.

they are thrashing out an agreement

Implies a vigorous and potentially contentious negotiation.

they are conferring

Focuses on the act of consulting and exchanging opinions.

they are mediating

Highlights the involvement of a third party to facilitate the negotiation.

they are arbitrating

Implies a more formal process of settling a dispute.

FAQs

What does "they are negotiating" mean?

The phrase "they are negotiating" means that two or more parties are discussing the terms of an agreement with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable outcome.

How can I use "they are negotiating" in a sentence?

You can use "they are negotiating" to describe ongoing discussions. For example: "The company and the union "they are negotiating" a new contract."

What can I say instead of "they are negotiating"?

You can use alternatives like "they are in talks", "they are in discussions", or "they are bargaining" depending on the context.

Is "they negotiate" or "they are negotiating" more appropriate?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "They negotiate" implies a general or habitual action, while "they are negotiating" describes a specific negotiation that is currently in progress.