For the sake of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For the sake of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce a hypothetical scenario or topic for discussion, even if you don't necessarily agree with it. Example: "For the sake of conversation, let's assume that we could travel back in time. What changes would you make?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"For the sake of conversation, let's call Pittsburgh a metropolitan area.

The New York Times

So for the sake of conversation, ask anything you want.

Cornell University

At fifty, he was healthy, convivial, and calm, and he was pleased to pass the evenings drinking whiskey with friends, always sensibly and for the sake of conversation.

The New Yorker

Where to start, you ask? Consider, for the sake of conversation, that the things in your life are like employees.

TechCrunch

Just for the sake of conversation, I asked two 5'4″ coworkers to try it on, and the wearable looked downright comical.

TechCrunch

Let's say, for the sake of conversation, they succeed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And for the sake of this conversation, hold it up the way you would at home for a few minutes.

The New York Times - Tech

But for the sake of our conversation, let me play a devil's cryptofascist advocate: why probe the small, anonymous corners of human experience?

The Guardian - Books

For the sake of the conversation, let's say I'm only talking to...all humans.

Forbes

Since vaccine development is likely to take at least ten years, let's double that amount to $2.5 billion over the next ten years for the sake of this conversation.

Huffington Post

For example, if a college charges $16,000 annual tuition and requires students to take eight course per year, that translates to each course (which, for the sake of this conversation we will define as one college credit) as having a value of $2,000.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "For the sake of conversation" to introduce hypothetical scenarios or explore alternative perspectives, even if you don't personally agree with them. This encourages open-minded discussion.

Common error

While useful for formal discussions, avoid using "For the sake of conversation" too frequently in casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "Let's say..." or "What if...?" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "For the sake of conversation" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a shift to a hypothetical scenario or a specific topic for discussion, as supported by Ludwig. This allows for exploration without necessarily implying agreement or commitment to the ideas being presented.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "For the sake of conversation" is a grammatically correct discourse marker that serves to introduce a topic or scenario for discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates that it's suitable for use in neutral to formal contexts. While not exceptionally common, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as academic settings. When using this phrase, consider its potential formality and opt for simpler alternatives in casual contexts. Its main purpose is to promote open-minded exploration of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let's say for the purpose of discussion

Specifies the intention of exploring a topic without necessarily agreeing with it.

For argument's sake

Highlights the hypothetical nature of the discussion, often implying disagreement.

Suppose, for the sake of discussion

Explicitly introduces a hypothetical scenario as a basis for conversation.

Just to discuss

Simplifies the phrasing to focus on the act of discussing a topic.

Hypothetically speaking

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the topic under consideration.

For the sake of argument

Suggests a debate-oriented approach to exploring different perspectives.

Let's assume for discussion

Frames the conversation around a specific assumption to be explored.

Purely for discussion purposes

Clarifies that the intention is solely to have a discussion.

As a point of discussion

Introduces a topic or idea as something to be discussed or debated.

To facilitate discussion

Focuses on the intention of enabling a conversation on a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "For the sake of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "For the sake of conversation" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or topic for discussion. For example: "For the sake of conversation, let's assume that we could travel back in time. What changes would you make?"

What are some alternatives to "For the sake of conversation"?

Some alternatives include "for argument's sake", "let's say for the purpose of discussion", or "hypothetically speaking".

Is "For the sake of conversation" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "For the sake of conversation" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to introduce a hypothetical scenario or explore an idea without necessarily endorsing it.

When is it better to use a simpler phrase instead of "For the sake of conversation"?

In casual conversations, consider using simpler phrases like "Let's say..." or "What if...?" instead of "For the sake of conversation", which can sound overly formal in informal contexts.