a fleeting conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary exchange of words between people. Example: "During the event, I had a fleeting conversation with an old friend I hadn't seen in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lord Mandelson's spokesman said the case was discussed in "a fleeting conversation about the prisoner".

Independent

The internet has some advantages here: it is possible to obtain incontrovertible evidence of electronic communications that, in a previous age, would have involved just a fleeting conversation in a corridor.

The Guardian

The exchange with the bartender was the highlight: "Something spontaneous and authentic happened tonight: a fleeting conversation between a man on a stage and a woman behind a bar".

The New Yorker

A Justice Department official said last week that Mr. Holder's only knowledge of the pardon had been a fleeting conversation with Mr. Quinn in November and a letter that reached Mr. Holder's desk on Jan . 17

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At a Tonys after-party, he reintroduced himself to Ms. Furman, but she was in the throes of celebration and said she barely remembered that fleeting conversation.

The New York Times

Though my friend showed no sign of anger during our fleeting conversation, I knew he was affronted by the way he had been treated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Except for two fleeting conversations on holidays about my cat and a purchase of suspenders, she and I haven't spoken in six months.

Huffington Post

It's been more than a month since he passed on, and I keep going back to two fleeting conversations, both uttered in those rare moments when my family and I had called a truce, both taking place on the same couch in my childhood home.

Huffington Post

We can't judge people's efforts to engage in the process of picking up English, nor their dedication to learn, by what we hear in fleeting conversations.

The Guardian

New Yorkers most likely will remember Aug. 23, 2011, as the day the earth hiccupped for a matter of seconds, providing a worthy conversation piece but, ultimately, a fleeting interruption.

The New York Times

Today, as I listen to my students -- many of whom have never had a conversation with their parents about sex, let alone HIV -- I know that it was a fleeting, albeit an amazing, time in our history.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting conversation" when you want to emphasize the brevity and insubstantial nature of a discussion. This phrase is particularly effective when contrasting it with more significant interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting conversation" to describe discussions that had a lasting impact or were crucial to a decision. The phrase implies a lack of importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' acts as an adjective modifying 'conversation'. This indicates that the conversation is brief or momentary. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe such brief exchanges.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting conversation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief and insubstantial exchange of words. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to emphasize the brevity and lack of depth in a discussion. While it's a functional phrase, consider more descriptive alternatives like "a brief discussion" or "a quick chat" depending on the intended nuance and context. Use it when you want to downplay the importance or duration of an interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief discussion

Focuses on the exchange of ideas rather than just the briefness.

a quick chat

Implies a more informal and casual exchange.

a concise discussion

Highlights the directness and efficiency of the exchange.

a short dialogue

Highlights the conversational aspect but emphasizes brevity.

a snatched conversation

Conveys that the conversation was brief and perhaps difficult to have.

a passing remark

Suggests a comment made briefly and almost incidentally.

a superficial exchange

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the conversation.

a momentary exchange

Emphasizes the brief duration of the interaction.

a brief encounter

Broadens the scope to any kind of interaction, not necessarily verbal.

a hasty word

Implies a rushed and perhaps careless communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting conversation" to describe a brief, unimportant exchange. For example, "I only had "a fleeting conversation" with her at the party, so I didn't get to know her well."

What can I say instead of "a fleeting conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief chat", "a quick discussion", or "a short dialogue" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a fleeting conversation" might be more suited to neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "a brief discussion" or "a concise exchange".

What does "fleeting" emphasize in "a fleeting conversation"?

"Fleeting" emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the conversation, suggesting it was short-lived and perhaps inconsequential. It highlights the lack of depth or lasting impact.