a conversation in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a conversation in which' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to introduce a detail about the conversation that follows, such as: We had a conversation in which we discussed the pros and cons of the decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It consisted of two characters having a conversation in which every word was bleeped out.

The New York Times

Using this information, write a conversation in which you discuss and calm your friend's fears.

The New York Times

That too, he describes as "a conversation, in which no one is boss".

The Guardian - Music

Moments after a conversation in which a friend told me his e-mail address, I knew I'd eventually forget it.

The New York Times - Tech

The prosecutor said the pair had a conversation in which Traviss asked her if she just wanted to stay friends.

Independent

In tribute, LA Times critic Kenneth Turan recalled a conversation in which a photographer described feeling protective of her subjects.

The Guardian - Film

It is a conversation in which everyone has to be involved and where every voice must be heard.

The Guardian - Opinion

And on Friday officers intercepted a conversation in which Riina could be heard making explicit references to murdering Di Matteo in a public area, such as an airport.

Independent

I recalled a conversation in which Khalilzad told me once again that the war in Iraq was "the defining challenge of our time".

The New Yorker

Recently, she spoke at his induction to the Theater Hall of Fame and she imagined a conversation in which Mr. Durang tells her, "I've written a horrible character.

The New York Times

In May 2007, Monteilh recorded a conversation in which he suggested to Niazi and another young man that they blow up buildings.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This construction is useful when you want to highlight a particular aspect or detail that was part of the conversation.

Common error

Ensure the 'which' clause clearly refers to the conversation and not to something else in the sentence. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conversation in which" functions as a relative clause, introducing further details or context about a specific conversation. It specifies what transpired or was discussed during that particular interaction. Ludwig AI indicates that the structure is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a conversation in which" is a grammatically correct and versatile construct, used to provide specific details about a conversation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a relative clause and is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. It serves to add relevant context, specifying the content or outcomes of the interaction. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the 'which' clause clearly refers to the conversation. Alternatives like "a discussion wherein" or "a dialogue where" can be used for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dialogue where

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue", suggesting a more structured or formal exchange.

an interview during which

Refers to a structured question-and-answer session, often for journalistic or professional purposes.

an exchange in which

Uses "exchange" to highlight the reciprocal nature of the conversation, focusing on the sharing of ideas or information.

a discussion wherein

Emphasizes a more formal tone and indicates that something happens during the discussion.

a talk during which

Substitutes "conversation" with "talk" and uses "during which" to specify the timeframe.

a negotiation wherein

Indicates a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise, highlighting the bargaining aspect.

a consultation in which

Suggests a professional or expert discussion, typically for advice or guidance.

a discourse in which

Emphasizes a formal and extended discussion on a particular topic, often involving analysis and debate.

a chat where

Replaces "conversation" with "chat", indicating a more informal and casual discussion.

a conference where

Implies a more formal meeting or gathering for discussion, often involving multiple participants.

FAQs

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

Use "a conversation in which" to add specific details about the discussion. For example: "They had "a conversation in which" they resolved their differences."

What are some alternatives to "a conversation in which"?

Alternatives include "a discussion where", "a dialogue in which", or "a talk during which", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a conversation in which" and "a conversation that"?

"A conversation in which" typically introduces a clause that describes what happened during the conversation, while "a conversation that" could refer to any characteristic of the conversation. For instance, "a conversation in which" details were revealed, versus "a conversation that" was private.

When should I use "a conversation in which" instead of a simpler phrasing?

Use "a conversation in which" when you want to emphasize a specific aspect or outcome of the conversation. If the details of the conversation are less important, a simpler phrasing like "They had a conversation" might suffice.