a conversation started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conversation started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initiation of a dialogue or discussion between two or more people. Example: "The topic of climate change really got a conversation started among the attendees at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A conversation started from one question should go on as long as it needs to.

Stanford University

We're thirsty for knowledge, so any campaign that gets a conversation started will have an impact.

The Guardian

As a conversation started, Santana was more immersed in the shirt than the words.

The New York Times - Sports

A successful poster helps get a conversation started; a weak poster is a technical memo broken up into boxes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"What's important, and what is relevant to the events of the last couple of days, is a conversation started and it shifted the issue," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

Randall Jarrell ruefully remarked that when it comes to poetry, you can get a conversation started around just about anything: the lives of the poets, the state of poetry, the craft of poetry — anything but a poem.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Once a conversation starts, the "what do you do?" question comes up fairly quickly.

The New York Times

11am A conversation starts up at our "pod" about bonuses and pay rises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just because a conversation starts online, you don't need to finish it online.

The Guardian

A conversation starts on Facebook Messenger and, after a few minutes, Fabi will say, "Man, it's kind of strange.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But if a conversation starts, he said, perhaps perceptions will start to change.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conversation started" to indicate the beginning of a dialogue or discussion, particularly when emphasizing the initiation phase.

Common error

Avoid using "a conversation started" to describe a conversation that is already in progress or has been ongoing for some time. Opt for phrases like "the conversation continued" or "the discussion evolved" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conversation started" functions as a statement indicating the initiation of a dialogue or discussion. It typically serves as an introductory element, setting the stage for further details about the conversation. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conversation started" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the commencement of a dialogue or discussion. While Ludwig's examples show that it is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general narratives. It has a neutral tone and can be used across various registers. For alternative phrases, consider options like "a discussion began" or "a dialogue commenced" to add nuance or formality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discussion began

Replaces 'conversation' with 'discussion' and 'started' with 'began', both synonyms implying initiation.

a dialogue commenced

Substitutes 'conversation' with 'dialogue' and 'started' with 'commenced', offering a slightly more formal tone.

talks were initiated

Employs 'talks' instead of 'conversation' and uses 'initiated' in place of 'started', suggesting a deliberate beginning of discussions.

a discussion was sparked

Replaces 'started' with 'was sparked', indicating that the conversation was ignited or triggered by something.

an exchange began

Uses 'exchange' to represent conversation and 'began' to indicate its start, focusing on the interactive aspect.

the discussion took off

Replaces 'a conversation started' with 'the discussion took off', implying that it quickly gained momentum.

a discourse emerged

Substitutes 'conversation' with 'discourse' and 'started' with 'emerged', lending a more academic or formal feel.

communication was established

Replaces "a conversation started" with "communication was established", focusing on the fact that a line of communication has been opened.

initial contact was made

Replaces "a conversation started" with "initial contact was made", implying a connection for future interactions.

a meeting of minds unfolded

Substitutes 'conversation' with 'meeting of minds' and 'started' with 'unfolded', conveying a sense of gradual development and agreement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a conversation started" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "a discussion began", "a dialogue commenced", or "talks were initiated" to add nuance to your writing.

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

Yes, "a conversation started" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, depending on the context, more formal alternatives like "a dialogue commenced" may be preferred.

Can "a conversation started" imply a positive or negative beginning?

The phrase itself is neutral. The tone of the beginning depends on the context of the conversation and the words used to describe it. For instance, "a heated conversation started" suggests conflict.

What's the difference between "a conversation started" and "a conversation began"?

The phrases are nearly synonymous. "Began" might imply a slightly more gradual or natural start, while "a conversation started" can emphasize a more deliberate initiation.