abstract conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abstract conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion that is theoretical, conceptual, or not grounded in practical reality. Example: "The philosophers engaged in an abstract conversation about the nature of existence and reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He added, "But that's an abstract conversation — it doesn't make what they're doing any less effective as a business".

The New Yorker

It is only at that point, he explained, that he will be able to say to the rest of the country: "This isn't an abstract conversation anymore.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the middle of an abstract conversation, a man once said to her that "you say that because you are a woman".

The Guardian - Books

After a strained, abstract conversation about the burden of having a conscience and the relief of shedding that burden, the youngest of the goons is encouraged to describe a "secret assignment" in which he has participated.

The New York Times - Books

We didn't see the need to raise that question with LPs or start an abstract conversation, saying "We might want to do this thing that we haven't decided to do yet".

TechCrunch

We didn't see the need to raise that question with LPs or start an abstract conversation, saying "We might want to do this thing that we haven't decided to do yet". It didn't seem like a good use of time.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"There have been too many very abstract conversations in the past two years about grand bits of prison policy.

The Times

"We can say, 'Yay, this bear wants to read a book, and that one wants to have a tea party, and they can come back together later.'" Since young children don't have abstract conversations about their feelings, the play therapy gives the twins a concrete way to talk about their new reality.

Stanford University

Abstract conversations about abortion, gay marriage, and immigrant rights are carried through the halls of the Supreme Court, oftentimes lacking the context that these nuanced decisions bring to the realities of those most affected by them.

Huffington Post

But what you have to answer when you answer this point of view, which is an abstract, obscure conversation from 1964 that you want to bring up.

The Guardian

His holdings were already up another 300%, to $3 billion, and he found himself increasingly abstracted during conversations.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abstract conversation" when describing discussions that explore theoretical concepts or ideas not immediately grounded in reality.

Common error

Don't use "abstract conversation" to describe simple, everyday discussions. Reserve it for situations where the topic is genuinely conceptual or theoretical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstract conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "abstract" modifies the noun "conversation". It specifies the type or nature of the conversation being discussed, indicating a discussion focused on theoretical or conceptual matters, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstract conversation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a discussion centered on theoretical or conceptual ideas, as validated by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news media, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "theoretical discussion" or "conceptual exchange" exist, "abstract conversation" effectively conveys the nature of the discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for describing discussions that delve into ideas beyond the immediately practical, and it should be reserved for appropriate theoretical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abstracted discussion

Mirrors the original phrase closely, using a slightly different form of the word "abstract".

theoretical discussion

Replaces "conversation" with a more formal synonym, "discussion", while maintaining the focus on theoretical concepts.

conceptual exchange

Substitutes both "abstract" and "conversation" with synonyms that emphasize the exchange of ideas.

philosophical discourse

Implies a more academic and profound level of abstraction.

intellectual dialogue

Highlights the intellectual nature of the conversation.

speculative discussion

Focuses on the speculative, rather than concrete, aspects of the conversation.

academic debate

Frames the conversation as a formal debate within an academic setting.

esoteric exchange

Suggests a conversation that is understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.

impractical discussion

Highlights the lack of real-world application of the ideas discussed.

detached dialogue

Emphasizes the emotional distance or lack of personal involvement in the conversation.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The committee engaged in an "abstract conversation" about the long-term implications of the policy change" or "Their "abstract conversation" about the nature of reality went on for hours".

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

Alternatives include "theoretical discussion", "conceptual exchange", or "philosophical discourse", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "abstract conversation"?

It is appropriate when the discussion centers on ideas, theories, or concepts that are not directly tied to concrete experiences or practical applications.

What distinguishes an "abstract conversation" from a regular conversation?

An "abstract conversation" focuses on theoretical concepts and ideas, while a regular conversation is usually based on concrete experiences, practical matters, or personal opinions.