a vigorous conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lively, energetic, and engaging discussion between individuals or groups. Example: "During the meeting, we had a vigorous conversation about the future of the project, with everyone contributing their ideas and opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As practice ended, Robinson stayed at center ice briefly for a vigorous conversation with Scott Stevens, the captain.

The New York Times - Sports

The Academy's choices have prompted a vigorous conversation among black actors and directors in Hollywood about how much credence to give the Oscars.

The Washington Post

"We want to start a vigorous conversation on our campus and more broadly about the example of Tunisia, what it means and how it might go forward," Janow said.

Columbia University

"I'm hoping Vancouver can have a vigorous conversation over rewilding.

BBC

The official publication of LLC African American of the Modern Language Association, AAR fosters a vigorous conversation among writers and scholars in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Johns Hopkins University

It is time for a vigorous conversation about STIs, too long eclipsed by fear of HIV infection.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No museum in America enjoys a more vigorous conversation with Europe than the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is just the beginning, I hope, of a vigorous collective conversation that, to quote the report, will preserve "the viability, vitality, and value of the eating clubs" for many years to come.

Princeton University

They're not normal — and those voices have broken into the open regarding Harvey Weinstein, creating a vigorous national conversation about sexual harassment, power and a culture that has long kept women silent.

The New York Times

There has never been a successful media outfit, from Newsnight to the London Review of Books, Private Eye or the Observer's review section, which didn't have at its heart a vigorous daily conversation between people who only quite liked one another.

The Guardian

It has also signaled a shift in student attitudes toward the military and encouraged vigorous conversation on campus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vigorous conversation" to describe a discussion where participants are actively engaged and contributing with energy and enthusiasm. It implies more than just a polite exchange; it suggests a dynamic and potentially impactful interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a vigorous conversation" when the intent is to describe an argument or a hostile exchange. While 'vigorous' implies energy, it doesn't necessarily mean confrontational. For a conflict-driven discussion, consider terms like "heated debate" or "intense argument" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vigorous conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vigorous' modifies 'conversation'. It describes the quality or nature of the conversation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous conversation" is a noun phrase that describes an energetic and engaging discussion. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it's not the most common phrase, it effectively conveys a lively exchange of ideas. Be mindful of its slightly formal tone and avoid using it to describe aggressive arguments. Alternatives like "a lively discussion" or "an animated debate" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is frequently seen in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lively discussion

Focuses on the animated and enthusiastic nature of the discussion.

an animated debate

Emphasizes the spirited and potentially contentious nature of the exchange.

a spirited exchange

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy involved in the interaction.

a dynamic dialogue

Suggests an active and evolving conversation with continuous feedback.

a robust discussion

Implies a strong and thorough examination of a topic.

a heated debate

Conveys a strong disagreement and passionate defense of opposing viewpoints.

an intense discussion

Highlights the deep focus and concentration of the conversation.

a stimulating conversation

Focuses on the intellectually exciting and thought-provoking aspect of the discussion.

a productive dialogue

Emphasizes the outcome and usefulness of the conversation.

an engaging exchange

Highlights the captivation and interest generated by the interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vigorous conversation" to describe an energetic and engaging discussion. For example, "The conference sparked "a vigorous conversation" about the future of AI ethics".

What are some synonyms for "a vigorous conversation"?

Alternatives include "a lively discussion", "an animated debate", or "a spirited exchange", depending on the specific context.

Is "a vigorous conversation" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a vigorous conversation" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and appears in reputable sources like news articles and academic papers. However, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the tone and intensity of the discussion.

What's the difference between "a vigorous conversation" and "a casual chat"?

"A vigorous conversation" implies an energetic and engaging exchange of ideas, often with a specific purpose or focus. In contrast, "a casual chat" suggests a relaxed and informal discussion without a strong agenda.