to be negotiated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be negotiated' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing a situation where the specifics of an arrangement need to be worked out between two parties. For example, "The exact terms of the agreement are still to be negotiated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some specifics remain to be negotiated.

The New York Times

"It's going to be negotiated out.

The New York Times

The state's borders are to be negotiated.

The New York Times

Subsequent subsidies are to be negotiated.

The New York Times

It will all have to be negotiated".

The Guardian

"But these are going to be negotiated".

The New Yorker

It doesn't need to be negotiated".

The New York Times

Details have yet to be negotiated.

The New York Times

This would have to be negotiated..

The Guardian - Money

"Humanitarian assistance is not something to be negotiated," he said.

The Guardian

The details and mandate have yet to be negotiated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be negotiated" when you want to convey that specific terms or details are not yet fixed and will be determined through discussion and compromise. It implies a collaborative process.

Common error

While "to be negotiated" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate, such as "the parties will negotiate the terms" instead of "the terms are to be negotiated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be negotiated" primarily functions as a passive infinitive within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate that certain terms, conditions, or details are subject to future discussions and agreements. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as contracts, treaties, and agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be negotiated" is a common and grammatically correct passive infinitive construction used to indicate that something is subject to future discussion and agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal and business settings. When writing, it's important to consider whether the passive voice is the most effective choice, and to be mindful of potential alternatives that might convey the same meaning with greater clarity or impact. This phrase implies open dialogue and future compromise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to negotiation

Emphasizes the conditional aspect, indicating that something depends on the outcome of negotiation.

open to discussion

Highlights the willingness to consider different perspectives and potential modifications.

to be agreed upon

Focuses on the eventual consensus or formal approval required.

to be determined

Indicates that a decision is pending and will be established at a later time.

yet to be finalized

Stresses the incomplete state and the need for further refinement before completion.

under consideration

Highlights the ongoing evaluation and assessment process.

to be resolved

Focuses on addressing and settling outstanding issues or disagreements.

to be settled

Emphasizes the conclusive resolution of a matter.

pending agreement

Implies that progress is contingent on reaching a mutual understanding.

subject to mutual consent

Highlights the necessity of both parties' approval for any changes or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "to be negotiated" in a sentence?

You can use "to be negotiated" to indicate that certain terms or conditions are still under discussion. For example, "The price is "subject to negotiation"" or "Details are "yet to be finalized"".

What are some alternatives to "to be negotiated"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "open to discussion", "to be agreed upon", or "subject to mutual consent".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be negotiated"?

While "to be negotiated" is in the passive voice, it's often appropriate when the focus is on the item being negotiated rather than the negotiators themselves. However, using the active voice (e.g., "the parties will negotiate") can sometimes create a more direct and engaging sentence.

Which is correct: "to be negotiated" or "to negotiate"?

"To negotiate" is the infinitive form of the verb, while "to be negotiated" is the passive infinitive. Use "to be negotiated" when you want to emphasize that something will be negotiated, rather than describing the act of negotiating itself.