to be in talks with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be in talks with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that discussions or negotiations are taking place between parties. Example: "The company is currently in talks with potential investors to secure funding for their new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Morgan was said to be in talks with the broadcaster.

Independent

Discovery was said to be in talks with Revision3 earlier this week.

The New York Times

Hitachi is said to be in talks with Hon Hai too.

The Economist

It is rumoured to be in talks with various American private-equity firms.

The Economist

Google is said to be in talks with Twitter and Facebook as well.

MIT Technology Review

Vodafone is also understood to be in talks with the outfit.

The Guardian - Tech

The government was said to be in talks with the US to deploy strategic weapons on the Korean peninsula.

Independent

The company was rumoured to be in talks with Google about an acquisition in May 2014, before Amazon swooped in.

The Guardian - Tech

Sibneft was widely believed to be in talks with several foreign oil companies, including Royal Dutch/Shell and TotalFinaElf.

The New York Times

After sitting loyally through the trial, she is rumoured to be in talks with an Australian women's magazine.

The Guardian

And Amazon.com is said to be in talks with the major music labels about developing its own digital music shop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be in talks with", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject or purpose of the discussions to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be in talks with" without specifying what the talks are about. Be specific about the topic of discussion to give the reader better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be in talks with" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone is currently engaged in discussions or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts. This construction implies ongoing communication with a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be in talks with" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe ongoing discussions or negotiations between parties. According to Ludwig AI, it's frequently used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives might be suitable for professional environments. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide specific details about the subject of the talks to enhance clarity. Remember, while universally understood, tailoring your language to match the context is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in discussions with

Replaces "talks" with "discussions", a more formal term for conversations about a specific topic.

negotiating with

Emphasizes the bargaining or compromise aspect of the discussions.

in negotiations with

Similar to "negotiating with" but uses a noun form, highlighting the process.

in dialogue with

Suggests a more open and ongoing exchange of ideas.

in consultation with

Implies seeking advice or guidance from another party.

in conference with

Indicates a more formal and structured meeting.

in deliberations with

Suggests careful and thorough consideration during the discussions.

exploring possibilities with

Focuses on the exploratory nature of the discussions, rather than firm negotiations.

considering options with

Highlights the evaluation of different choices during the discussions.

entertaining discussions with

Implies a willingness to engage in talks, but not necessarily a commitment.

FAQs

What does "to be in talks with" mean?

The phrase "to be in talks with" means that two or more parties are engaged in discussions or negotiations, typically with the aim of reaching an agreement or resolving an issue.

How can I use "to be in talks with" in a sentence?

You can use "to be in talks with" to indicate ongoing discussions, such as: "The company is "in negotiations with" potential investors" or "The government is "in dialogue with" other nations regarding climate change".

What are some alternatives to "to be in talks with"?

Alternatives include "in discussions with", "negotiating with", "in negotiations with", or "in dialogue with", depending on the specific context.

Is "to be in talks with" formal or informal?

"To be in talks with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "in negotiations with" might be preferred in certain professional settings.