- Do you ever find yourself unsure which verb to pair with ‘negotiation’?
- Is it ‘make a negotiation’ or ‘do a negotiation’ that sounds natural to English speakers?
- How can you express the various stages and types of talks with precision and confidence?
Mastering collocations for words like ‘negotiation’ is a powerful step towards achieving fluency and sounding truly professional in English. It’s not just about knowing individual words, but understanding how they naturally combine to create clear, idiomatic expressions that native speakers use every day. Let’s unlock the natural phrasing around this essential business term.
Essential Collocations using NEGOTIATION as a Noun
The noun ‘negotiation’ refers to a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. It’s often used in plural form (‘negotiations’) when referring to the ongoing process.
Verbs that Initiate or Manage Negotiations
- conduct a negotiation / conduct negotiations
Meaning: To manage or carry out the process of discussion.
Example: The two companies plan to conduct a negotiation over the terms of the merger next month.
- enter into a negotiation / enter into negotiations
Meaning: To formally begin the process of discussion.
Example: Both parties agreed to enter into negotiations after months of preliminary talks.
- hold a negotiation / hold negotiations
Meaning: To arrange and carry out a meeting for discussions.
Example: They decided to hold negotiations in a neutral location to ensure fairness.
- begin / start negotiations
Meaning: To commence the discussions.
Example: We need to begin negotiations on the new contract as soon as possible.
Verbs that Describe the Outcome or Progress of Negotiations
- conclude negotiations
Meaning: To bring the discussions to an end, usually with an agreement.
Example: After intensive discussions, the delegates managed to conclude negotiations on the trade agreement.
- reach / achieve a negotiation / reach / achieve an agreement
Meaning: To arrive at a consensus or deal through discussions. (Note: “reach an agreement” is much more common and natural than “reach a negotiation”.)
Example: The union hopes to reach an agreement through peaceful negotiation.
- break off negotiations
Meaning: To stop or discontinue discussions, often abruptly and without an agreement.
Example: The strike caused the workers’ representatives to break off negotiations with management.
- facilitate negotiations
Meaning: To make the process of discussions easier or smoother.
Example: A neutral third party was brought in to facilitate negotiations between the warring factions.
- stall negotiations
Meaning: To cause discussions to slow down or come to a standstill.
Example: Disagreements over key issues threatened to stall negotiations for weeks.
Adjectives that Describe Negotiation
- difficult / tough / hard negotiations
Meaning: Discussions that are challenging or problematic.
Example: It was a particularly difficult negotiation, but we secured a favourable outcome.
- delicate negotiations
Meaning: Discussions requiring careful handling and sensitivity.
Example: The ambassador was praised for his handling of the delicate negotiations with the rival nation.
- successful negotiations
Meaning: Discussions that result in a desired or positive outcome.
Example: Their successful negotiations led to a profitable partnership between the two startups.
- ongoing negotiations
Meaning: Discussions that are currently in progress.
Example: There are ongoing negotiations between the government and the opposition party.
- bilateral / multilateral negotiations
Meaning: Discussions involving two parties (bilateral) or multiple parties (multilateral).
Example: The trade deal was the result of extensive multilateral negotiations.
- complex negotiations
Meaning: Discussions involving many intricate details or issues.
Example: The legal teams prepared for complex negotiations over intellectual property rights.
Prepositions and Noun Phrases with Negotiation
- in negotiation with (someone)
Meaning: Currently discussing terms or an agreement with someone.
Example: The company is in negotiation with a potential buyer for the property.
- through negotiation
Meaning: Achieved or resolved by means of discussion.
Example: We managed to get a better price through negotiation.
- under negotiation
Meaning: Currently being discussed, with terms not yet finalized.
Example: The exact terms of the acquisition are still under negotiation.
- negotiation on / over (something)
Meaning: Discussions about a specific topic.
Example: The two sides held negotiations on the new disarmament treaty.
- at the negotiation table
Meaning: In the position of discussing and attempting to reach an agreement.
Example: Both sides agreed to return at the negotiation table to find a resolution.
- negotiation skills
Meaning: The ability to effectively discuss and reach agreements.
Example: Excellent negotiation skills are crucial for sales professionals.
- negotiation process
Meaning: The series of actions or steps taken during discussions.
Example: The entire negotiation process took several months from start to finish.
Common Collocations with NEGOTIATE as a Verb
The verb ‘negotiate’ means to try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussing with others.
Adverbs that Describe How You Negotiate
- negotiate successfully
Meaning: To achieve a desired outcome through discussions.
Example: We successfully negotiated a 15% discount on the bulk order.
- negotiate skillfully / effectively
Meaning: To discuss terms in a clever, expert, or impactful way.
Example: She skillfully negotiated the complex clauses of the international contract.
- negotiate directly
Meaning: To discuss terms face-to-face or without intermediaries.
Example: It’s often more efficient to negotiate directly with the CEO.
- negotiate openly / in good faith
Meaning: To discuss with transparency and a genuine intention to reach an agreement.
Example: The union pledged to negotiate in good faith to find a fair solution.
Nouns as Direct Objects of Negotiate
- negotiate a deal / an agreement
Meaning: To discuss and reach a business arrangement or understanding.
Example: Can you negotiate a better deal with the suppliers this quarter?
- negotiate a contract
Meaning: To discuss and finalize the terms of a formal written agreement.
Example: The lawyer helped her client negotiate a lucrative contract with the publisher.
- negotiate a price / a fee
Meaning: To discuss and agree upon the cost of something.
Example: He tried to negotiate a lower price for the antique vase at the market.
- negotiate terms / conditions
Meaning: To discuss and settle the specific requirements or stipulations of an agreement.
Example: We need to negotiate the terms of the lease before signing.
- negotiate a solution / a settlement
Meaning: To discuss and reach a resolution to a problem or dispute.
Example: The mediator worked tirelessly to help the neighbors negotiate a settlement.
Prepositions with Negotiate
- negotiate with (someone)
Meaning: To discuss terms with a specific person or group.
Example: I need to negotiate with my landlord about the rent increase.
- negotiate for (something)
Meaning: To discuss with the aim of obtaining something.
Example: The activists are negotiating for better environmental protection laws.
- negotiate over (something)
Meaning: To discuss a particular subject or point of contention.
Example: We will continue to negotiate over the final details of the delivery schedule.
Master Summary Table: Key Negotiation Collocations
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| conduct negotiations | Verb + Noun | Manage/carry out discussions |
| enter into negotiations | Verb + Noun | Begin discussions formally |
| conclude negotiations | Verb + Noun | Finish discussions, often with an agreement |
| difficult negotiations | Adjective + Noun | Challenging discussions |
| ongoing negotiations | Adjective + Noun | Discussions currently in progress |
| in negotiation with | Prepositional Phrase | Currently discussing with someone |
| under negotiation | Prepositional Phrase | Still being discussed, not finalized |
| negotiate successfully | Verb + Adverb | Achieve desired outcome through discussion |
| negotiate a deal | Verb + Noun | Discuss and finalize an agreement |
| negotiate a price | Verb + Noun | Discuss and agree on cost |
| negotiate with someone | Verb + Prepositional Phrase | Discuss terms with a person/group |
| negotiation skills | Noun Phrase | Ability to discuss effectively |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
|
make a negotiation |
conduct / hold / enter into a negotiation negotiate a deal / contract |
|
do a negotiation |
conduct / hold / enter into a negotiation negotiate a deal / contract |
|
reach to a negotiation |
reach an agreement / deal (through negotiation) conclude negotiations |
|
talk a negotiation |
negotiate a deal / contract discuss terms / an agreement |
|
finish the negotiation |
conclude negotiations wrap up the negotiation |
The procurement team had to conduct difficult negotiations with the new software vendor. Sarah, known for her strong negotiation skills, was tasked to negotiate a fair price for the enterprise license. It wasn’t easy; the vendor initially refused to budge on their original quote. However, after several rounds of ongoing negotiations, including late-night calls and revised proposals, they finally managed to conclude negotiations successfully, securing a beneficial deal for both parties. This demonstrated that careful planning and a clear strategy are essential when you enter into negotiations for high-stakes contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Negotiation Collocations
What’s the main difference between ‘negotiation’ (noun) and ‘negotiate’ (verb)?
The noun ‘negotiation’ refers to the process itself, the discussion, or the session of discussions (e.g., “The negotiation took two hours”). The plural ‘negotiations’ is very common (e.g., “We had tough negotiations”). The verb ‘negotiate’ refers to the action of engaging in that discussion (e.g., “We need to negotiate a better deal”). You *conduct* a negotiation, but you *negotiate* a deal.
Can the verb ‘negotiate’ be used without an object?
Yes, ‘negotiate’ can be used intransitively (without a direct object), often with a preposition. For example, “They are still negotiating with the client.” or “Both sides refused to negotiate further.” In these cases, the object of the discussion is implied or handled by a prepositional phrase.
Which prepositions are commonly used with ‘negotiation’ and ‘negotiate’?
For the noun ‘negotiation’, common prepositions include: ‘in negotiation with’ (currently discussing), ‘under negotiation’ (being discussed), ‘through negotiation’ (by means of discussion), and ‘negotiation on/over’ (about a topic). For the verb ‘negotiate’, common prepositions are: ‘negotiate with’ (whom you are discussing with), ‘negotiate for’ (what you are trying to get), and ‘negotiate over’ (the subject of the discussion).
What are some common synonyms or related terms for ‘negotiation’ to vary my vocabulary?
To avoid repetition, you can use terms like ‘discussions’, ‘talks’, ‘bargaining’, ‘deliberations’, ‘dialogue’, ‘mediation’, or ‘arbitration’ (if a third party is involved). For the outcome, ‘agreement’, ‘deal’, or ‘settlement’ are good choices. Remember, each word has slightly different nuances, so choose based on context.
How can I improve my use of negotiation collocations in English?
The best way is through exposure and practice. Read business news articles and watch business-related videos to see these collocations in context. Pay attention to how native speakers phrase things. Create flashcards with the collocations and example sentences. Most importantly, try to use them actively in your own writing and speaking, even if it’s just practicing in front of a mirror!
I always get 'agreement' and 'negotiation' mixed up. When do you say 'reach an agreement' versus 'reach a negotiation'?
That's a common point of confusion, Jin, and a very important distinction! You would 'reach an agreement' because an agreement is the *outcome* or the *result* of the discussions. A negotiation, on the other hand, is the *process* itself. So, you 'conduct/hold/enter into negotiations' (the process) in order to 'reach an agreement' (the goal/result). You don't 'reach a negotiation' in the same way you reach a conclusion.
Can 'manage negotiations' also be used in the same way as 'conduct negotiations'?
Yes, Aisha, absolutely! 'Manage negotiations' is another perfectly valid and very common collocation. It emphasizes the active role of overseeing, directing, and guiding the entire process of discussion, making sure it stays on track towards an agreement. It's very similar to 'conduct negotiations' in meaning and usage, often interchangeable in many contexts, especially in a business setting.
This is exactly what I needed! I'm preparing for an international job interview and need to sound more confident when talking about business. Learning these will definitely help.
Fantastic content for intermediate to advanced learners! I often see students struggle with verb + noun collocations, and 'negotiation' is such a crucial business term. This article clearly addresses a common pain point.
Thank you for the kind words, Chloe! We're thrilled that you see the value for your students. Precisely! These verb-noun collocations are often overlooked but are essential for fluency and professional communication. We aim to make these 'pain points' clearer and easier to master for all our learners.
Are there any verbs that mean to *stop* or *break off* negotiations? Like 'cancel negotiations' or something similar?
That's an excellent follow-up question, Olivier! For stopping or ending negotiations, you can use: 'break off negotiations' (often implies an abrupt or unsuccessful end), 'suspend negotiations' (to temporarily pause them), 'resume negotiations' (to start them again after a pause), and 'conclude negotiations' (to bring them to an end, usually successfully). 'Cancel negotiations' is also sometimes used, especially if they haven't started yet or are called off completely.
I love the part about 'sounding professional'. That's my main goal when learning business English! This article helps a lot to feel more confident.
What about 'begin negotiations'? Is that a common and correct collocation? How does it compare to 'enter into'?
Yes, Raj, 'begin negotiations' is absolutely a common and correct collocation! It's a very good alternative to 'enter into negotiations,' often used interchangeably. 'Enter into negotiations' can sound slightly more formal and emphasizes the *formal commitment* to start the process, while 'begin negotiations' is a straightforward way to say the same thing and can be used in almost any context.
I'm a beginner, and this is a bit overwhelming, but the examples are really good. I'll focus on 'conduct' and 'enter into' first. Thanks!
Excellent point about idiomatic expressions. It's truly the key to sounding natural. Do you have any resources on other common business collocations, like for 'agreement' or 'contract'?
Could 'initiate a negotiation' be used instead of 'enter into a negotiation'? Do they mean exactly the same thing?