open to negotiation

Meaning

This phrase indicates that a proposal, price, terms, or conditions are not final and can be discussed or modified. It is commonly used in job offers, contract discussions, and sales to show flexibility and a willingness to compromise. The tone is cooperative and professional.

Examples

• The starting salary is $60,000, but we are open to negotiation for the right candidate.

  The starting salary is $60,000, but we are open to negotiation for the right candidate.

• While the delivery timeline is tight, the terms of payment are open to negotiation.

  While the delivery timeline is tight, the terms of payment are open to negotiation.

• We want to partner with you, so our initial proposal is definitely open to negotiation.

  We want to partner with you, so our initial proposal is definitely open to negotiation.

• Are the licensing fees open to negotiation, or is that a fixed rate?

  Are the licensing fees open to negotiation, or is that a fixed rate?

• They made it clear that the launch date was the only thing not open to negotiation.

  They made it clear that the launch date was the only thing not open to negotiation.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The price is open for negotiation.

  ✓ The price is open to negotiation.

  While 'open for negotiation' is occasionally heard, 'open to negotiation' is the standard idiomatic expression in business English.

• ✗ We are opened to negotiation regarding the contract.

  ✓ We are open to negotiation regarding the contract.

  Use the adjective 'open', not the past participle 'opened', to describe a state of willingness.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The initial budget we proposed is still ___.

  💡 Able to be discussed and changed.

  Show answer

  open to negotiation

• Please let us know if your consulting rates are ___.

  💡 Flexible and not fixed.

  Show answer

  open to negotiation