a casual conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a casual conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an informal discussion between people, often without a specific agenda or purpose. Example: "After the meeting, we had a casual conversation about our weekend plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During a casual conversation on a long car….

The New Yorker

It turns out that they shared a lot more than a casual conversation.

The New York Times

Frank Ocean received his formal invitation during a casual conversation with Hodgy.

The New Yorker

But then in a casual conversation like my multiple interviews with him, his symptoms came back.

The New Yorker

Join a casual conversation with Assistant Prof Pete Rich, Department of Policy Analysis and Management.

Cornell University

The telephone rings; a casual conversation, but behind this a job offer.

Stanford University

The site makes it easy to carry on a casual conversation or ask group questions.

The New York Times - Tech

A casual conversation with his son near Christmas in 1993 inspired the gun-swap program.

The New York Times

Most lasted for about an hour and took the form of a casual conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

At a casual conversation over lunch, a woman said her son was in the army.

The New York Times

In a casual conversation, Mr. bin Laden marveled at their success, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a casual conversation" when describing an informal discussion where the tone is relaxed and the topics are not overly serious. It's suitable for everyday scenarios and narratives where a light, friendly interaction is implied.

Common error

While "a casual conversation" is versatile, avoid using it in formal reports, legal documents, or academic papers where a more precise and professional term like "discussion" or "consultation" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a casual conversation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'have', 'start', 'engage in'). Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a casual conversation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an informal exchange. Ludwig's analysis highlights its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and online wikis. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid using it in overly formal settings. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "informal discussion" or "brief meeting". Ludwig also provides numerous examples demonstrating its widespread applicability and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an informal chat

Emphasizes the relaxed and friendly nature of the conversation.

a quick chat

Highlights the brevity and informality of the conversation.

a relaxed discussion

Highlights the lack of pressure or seriousness in the exchange.

a comfortable discussion

Emphasizes the ease and lack of tension during the talk.

a friendly exchange

Focuses on the amicable tone and positive interaction between participants.

a lighthearted talk

Suggests the conversation is cheerful and avoids serious topics.

an impromptu discussion

Indicates the conversation was unplanned and spontaneous.

a brief dialogue

Implies the conversation was short and to the point.

a passing remark

Refers to a very short and often insignificant comment made during an exchange.

an offhand comment

Suggests the remark was made casually without much thought.

FAQs

How can I use "a casual conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "a casual conversation" to describe an informal discussion. For example, "We had "a casual conversation" about our hobbies during lunch."

What are some synonyms for "a casual conversation"?

Alternatives include "an informal chat", "a relaxed discussion", or "a friendly exchange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a casual conversation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a casual conversation" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. Formal writing might benefit from terms like "informal discussion" or "brief meeting" depending on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "a casual conversation" and "a formal discussion"?

"A casual conversation" implies a relaxed, unstructured exchange, whereas "a formal discussion" suggests a more structured, purposeful dialogue, often with specific goals or objectives.