a cordial conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cordial conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly and warm discussion between individuals. Example: "After the meeting, we had a cordial conversation about our future collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I had a cordial conversation with Carl Big Daddy Spottsts, who owns a motorcycle-repair shop near Lake Tahoe.

The New Yorker

"I found myself standing next to Tom at a party recently, and we had a cordial conversation," Kerner says.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hagel spoke to Mr. McCain by telephone on Monday, and the two had what one aide described as a cordial conversation.

The New York Times

Turning to his own relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, he said he had last spoken to him a few days ago in a "cordial" conversation.

The Guardian

It was a cordial conversation, aides said, but the two have had little contact since an angry post-election meeting where they traded blame for Mr. Gore's defeat.

The New York Times

Aides described the brief telephone call as a cordial conversation, with both men pledging to have a civil discussion over the next five months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It was a very cordial conversation," he said.

The New York Times

It appears to have been a relatively cordial conversation.

The Guardian

"I had a very cordial conversation with the governor," she said.

The New York Times

I only met him in person once, but we had a very cordial conversation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

After a few cordial conversations, I was sent a terse email explaining that they wouldn't be commenting.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cordial conversation" to describe interactions where maintaining a polite and respectful tone is important, such as diplomatic meetings or discussions between individuals with differing opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "a cordial conversation" in casual settings where simpler phrases like "a friendly chat" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cordial conversation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of interaction. It typically modifies a verb (e.g., 'had', 'engaged in') to indicate the manner in which the conversation occurred. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in describing diplomatic or formal exchanges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cordial conversation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a polite and respectful discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the positive tone of an interaction. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings and should be avoided in overly casual situations where simpler alternatives like "a friendly chat" are more appropriate. Remember to use it when you want to highlight the courteous nature of an exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a polite discussion

Emphasizes the courteous nature of the exchange, focusing on respectful communication.

a warm discussion

Emphasizes the positive and friendly atmosphere of the conversation.

a friendly chat

Replaces "conversation" with a more informal term, suggesting a relaxed and casual exchange.

a genial chat

Similar to “friendly chat” but conveys even more warmth.

a good-natured talk

Suggests a lighthearted and affable conversation, free of conflict.

a pleasant exchange

Focuses on the agreeable and enjoyable aspects of the conversation.

an amicable dialogue

Highlights the mutual goodwill and peaceful nature of the interaction.

a harmonious exchange

Stresses the agreement and understanding reached during the conversation.

a gracious discussion

Highlights the courteous and refined manner in which the conversation is conducted.

a civil discourse

Implies a more formal and structured discussion, maintaining politeness and respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cordial conversation" to describe a friendly and polite discussion. For example, "The diplomats had "a cordial conversation" about the trade agreement".

What are some synonyms for "a cordial conversation"?

Alternatives include "a friendly chat", "a polite discussion", or "an amicable dialogue", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe a conversation as "a cordial conversation"?

While generally positive, describing a conversation as "a cordial conversation" implies a degree of formality and politeness. It might not be suitable for very casual or intimate settings where more relaxed language is preferred.

What's the difference between "a cordial conversation" and "a friendly conversation"?

"A friendly conversation" suggests warmth and ease, while "a cordial conversation" implies politeness and respect, even if the participants have differing viewpoints. Cordial emphasizes courtesy, whereas friendly focuses on warmth and personal connection.