a conversation going on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conversation going on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing discussion or dialogue between people. Example: "During the meeting, there was a conversation going on about the new project proposals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"There's a conversation going on out there about every company and every brand, and talking with people engenders better relationships," said Mr. Jarvis, who is a consultant to About.com, a subsidiary of The New York Times Company.

The New York Times - Tech

"There's a conversation going on as we speak," he said.

The New York Times

There's a conversation going on in Egypt right now, and it's almost impossible for anyone to mute it".

The Guardian

"But the book was also a conversation going on in my head," he quickly adds, "so I'd write after thinking for five hours".

The Guardian - Books

Picking through the stacks at the Poetry Bookshop, as an American, was like dropping into a conversation going on in a foreign language.

The Guardian - Books

The programmers say they're trying to show that there's a conversation going on across geography and generations that may or may not have taken place in reality, Ms. Salti said by phone from Beirut.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But there's a balance, because if you let a conversation go on too long, you could miss windows of opportunity.

The New York Times

"There were a lot of conversations going on outside of Timbuk2, on student blogs and other sites," said Patti Roll, director for marketing at Timbuk2.

The New York Times - Tech

"We have a number of conversations going on," says Ellis of progress on its sales pitch.

TechCrunch

Previously application pages were similar to Facebook groups – you could see a basic list of conversations going on around an app as well as some reviews.

TechCrunch

"There's a lot of informal conversations going on," Yeager said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conversation going on" to emphasize the dynamic and continuous nature of an interaction, especially when highlighting its impact or importance within a specific context.

Common error

While "a conversation going on" is generally understood, ensure the context clarifies who is involved and what the conversation pertains to, preventing ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conversation going on" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or complement of a sentence. It indicates an active or continuous state of dialogue or discussion. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a conversation going on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an active, continuous discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, ensuring contextual clarity is vital to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "an ongoing discussion" or "a current dialogue" can be used for nuanced emphasis. Understanding the function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, especially in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing discussion

Focuses on the continuous nature of the discussion.

a current dialogue

Emphasizes the interactive aspect of the exchange.

an active exchange

Highlights the energetic and involved nature of the interaction.

discussions in progress

Formal way to refer an ongoing discussion.

an unfolding debate

Suggests the discussion is developing and revealing new aspects.

a developing discourse

Focuses on the evolution of a formal discussion.

an existing dialogue

Highlights the fact that the conversation is already established.

a live discussion

Emphasizes that the discussion is happening in real time.

a continuing exchange

Highlights the unbroken, ongoing nature of the interaction.

a running discussion

Focuses on the constant and active nature of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "a conversation going on" in a sentence?

You can use "a conversation going on" to describe an active discussion or exchange. For example, "There's "a conversation going on" about the new company policy."

What are some alternatives to "a conversation going on"?

Alternatives include "an ongoing discussion", "a current dialogue", or "an active exchange" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a conversation occurring" or "a conversation going on"?

"A conversation going on" is more common and conveys a sense of immediacy. "A conversation occurring" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "a discussion" and "a conversation going on"?

While both refer to an exchange of ideas, "a conversation going on" implies a more dynamic, real-time, or unfolding exchange, as opposed to a general "discussion".