a preliminary conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an initial discussion or meeting that serves as a foundation for further dialogue or decision-making. Example: "Before we move forward with the project, I suggest we have a preliminary conversation to outline our goals and expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Senator Schumer, meanwhile, said he had had a "preliminary conversation" with Mr. Pataki.

The New York Times

Displaying remarkably good humour about a project that has obviously blighted his life since its release last autumn, Mr Parker joked that as Coelho had not mentioned the film in a preliminary conversation, maybe he would "get off" having to answer questions about it.

Independent

"Their P.R. effort makes it like this horrible thing is happening to this family, but are they just posturing to get the price jacked up?" The owners say there have never been any serious discussions about selling the property, only a preliminary conversation with a lawyer who made offers to buy their land for an undisclosed client.

The New York Times

“We have had a preliminary conversation with Trian already, and look forward to continuing this dialog," the company said.

Forbes

A preliminary conversation with Queen's Club prior to the victory over the US was not said to be encouraging, but the mood has changed since the west London club became the team's preferred venue.

BBC

Those subjects entering the study will be invited to a preliminary conversation and for baseline measurements.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It was a very preliminary conversation," one source involved told Reuters.

The Guardian - Tech

It is interesting that in the preliminary conversation and investigation of pre-existing ideas, a considerable number of middle school students attributed the origin of different forms of life to God, while in the final test nobody cited divine creation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Among the notable details revealed there is the text of a lengthy discussion between Marceline, Rouch, and Morin that was cut from their preliminary conversation, at the start of the film, about the terms of the interviews she'd be conducting in the street.

The New Yorker

Karl was required to give up his laptop, and, in desperation, he called his old university roommate, Keston, an accountant, told him everything, and tried not to cry during their preliminary conversation.

Vice

After this preliminary conversation, Mr. Johnson said, Samuel Waksal had offered to cooperate fully with Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preliminary conversation" to indicate an initial discussion that sets the stage for more in-depth talks or actions. This phrase is suitable for professional and formal contexts where setting expectations and outlining topics is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "a preliminary conversation" in casual settings. Opt for simpler terms like "initial chat" or "quick talk" to maintain a natural tone and avoid sounding overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies "conversation". It describes the kind of conversation, typically setting the stage for further discussions or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A preliminary conversation" is a useful phrase for describing initial discussions, especially in professional and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "initial chat" in casual settings, it effectively communicates that the discussion is exploratory and sets the stage for more in-depth conversations. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, consider your audience and context to determine if "a preliminary conversation" is the most appropriate choice, or if a more informal or specific term would be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary exchange of views

Highlights sharing opinions in an initial discussion.

a preparatory discussion

Highlights the preparatory nature of the discussion for future actions.

an exploratory talk

Replaces both "preliminary" and "conversation" with synonyms, emphasizing exploration.

an initial chat

Replaces "conversation" with a more informal term, suggesting a casual discussion.

a kickoff conversation

Implies the start of a project or initiative with an initial discussion.

a brief discussion

Emphasizes the concise nature of the conversation.

an early exchange

Focuses on the act of exchanging information at an early stage.

a first meeting

Focuses on the event of meeting for the first time, implying conversation.

an introductory dialogue

Formal synonym, suitable in more formal contexts than a casual conversation.

a trial consultation

Suggests an exploratory consultation, typically in a professional context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary conversation" to describe an initial discussion before more formal talks, as in, "We had "a preliminary conversation" to discuss the project scope".

What's a good alternative to "a preliminary conversation"?

Alternatives include "an initial chat" for informal contexts, or "a preparatory discussion" in more formal settings.

Is "a preliminary conversation" formal or informal?

"A preliminary conversation" leans towards the formal side. For informal settings, consider using phrases like "an initial chat" or "a quick talk".

What is the difference between "a preliminary conversation" and "a final discussion"?

"A preliminary conversation" refers to the first stages of discussing a topic. In contrast, "a final discussion" represents the last discussion before decisions are made or actions are taken.