Begin a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Begin a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to initiate a dialogue or discussion with someone. Example: "To foster better communication, let's begin a conversation about our project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Begin a conversation with your peers, your boss, and your team about the routines that will really raise performance.

Harvard Business Review

Begin a conversation on how best to build out your AI capability efficiently using the right tools and infrastructure.

Forbes

Begin a conversation.

WikiHow

■ Begin a conversation about an independent Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some investors view a shareholder proposal as a way to begin a conversation with the board.

Harvard University

We hope that with this article we will begin a conversation.

Harvard University

It can become a catalyst for people to begin a conversation with themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's Doyle from headquarters," was one of his true, if misleading, ways to begin a conversation.

The New York Times

A few, I discovered later, called their peers to begin a conversation.

The New York Times

Let's ask Walmart to begin a conversation with its consumers about what to buy and what they can afford.

The New York Times

"WHAT'S new?" is not, as a general rule, a tactful way to begin a conversation about Broadway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Begin a conversation" when you want to clearly indicate the start of a dialogue or discussion, especially in professional or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "Begin a conversation" in very casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start talking" or "chat" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Begin a conversation" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a communicative exchange. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and widely applicable way to describe starting a dialogue or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Begin a conversation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for initiating dialogue or discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal business settings to casual interactions, though simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal scenarios. It is very common in News & Media and Academia, making it a versatile choice for initiating discussions across various fields. When aiming for precision, consider whether you are starting a new exchange or opening an existing topic for discussion to guide your choice between "Begin a conversation" and similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Start a dialogue

Focuses on a more formal or structured exchange.

Initiate a discussion

Emphasizes a more deliberate and potentially longer exchange.

Open a discussion

Highlights making a discussion available or accessible.

Launch into a conversation

Suggests a more energetic or sudden start.

Commence a dialogue

Implies a formal and often pre-planned beginning.

Enter into a discussion

Suggests joining a discussion that may already be ongoing.

Kick off a conversation

Uses informal language to indicate starting something, like a project or discussion.

Get the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression for starting an activity or discussion.

Break the ice

Focuses on overcoming initial awkwardness to start a conversation.

Start talking

A simple and direct alternative emphasizing the act of speaking.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "Begin a conversation"?

You can use phrases like "start a dialogue", "initiate a discussion", or simply "start talking" depending on the context.

Is "Begin a conversation" formal or informal?

"Begin a conversation" is generally neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and general contexts. In very casual settings, consider more informal options.

How to use "Begin a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "Let's "Begin a conversation" about the project's next steps" or "The article aims to "Begin a conversation" about climate change".

What's the difference between "Begin a conversation" and "Open a conversation"?

"Begin a conversation" refers to starting a new dialogue, whereas "open a conversation" suggests making an existing topic available for discussion.