basis for conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis for conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the foundational topic or reason that initiates a discussion or dialogue. Example: "The recent changes in policy provide a solid basis for conversation among team members about our future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He says dismissively, 'I don't relate to children particularly, or even young people any more - there's no basis for conversation.' I ask what attracted him to his present wife, Valerie, and he says, 'Well, you'll see when she comes down.

The Guardian - Books

One of the most sophisticated, so far, is the "Common Word", a letter sent last October to Christian leaders by 138 Muslim scholars.On a note of gentle provocation, it asked whether the commandments of Jesus to love God and one another could be a basis for conversation between the two largest monotheistic faiths.

The Economist

Oh, Dave Pacific: you comment on everything, but add nothing; you write much, but read little; you throw around data, but misinterpret them; you accuse every author of prejudices, but do not realize your own; you demand attention, but give no basis for conversation.

University of California, Berkeley

However, it was not given as a basis for "conversation" at that time, but rather he said that anyone who had not already completed the reading of that list by 18 would certainly never be able to become a great poet, because the list was a basis for that.

Stanford University

An agreed basis for conversation is being sought by the UK's Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, who called the whole crisis "a sign of a complete breakdown in the working relationships within the executive".

Vice

There will never be a definitive answer to what digital tools are best for children, but these new learning ratings from Common Sense Media provide a good basis for conversation and improved understanding.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They monitor realities they are how we judge a policy's success or failure, the basis for conversations about the direction America should take.

Vice

Photographs of Bangladeshi and Western meals and silhouettes of active and inactive figures were used as a basis for conversations around barriers and facilitators to food and activity choices.

British Medical Journal

But at least it was a reasonable basis for a conversation and is far better than its most prominent competitors.

The New York Times

Then, by using the network maps as the basis for a conversation, executives can, where necessary, coach connectors to improve their effectiveness and stop impeding the network.

Harvard Business Review

"Even if what I'm saying is only 50% true, it does at least form the basis for a conversation". Indeed, at times one gets the sense of a recklessly imaginative novelist riffing recklessly on historical material that a more sober writer would have treated less cavalierly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis for conversation", ensure the context clearly establishes what that basis is. Providing specific details will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "basis for conversation" without specifying what that basis actually is. Ensure your writing clearly identifies the foundation upon which the conversation is built.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for conversation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the underlying reason or foundation upon which a discussion is built. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and appropriate. Examples show it indicating shared interests, agreed facts, or fundamental principles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis for conversation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that serves to highlight the foundational elements that allow for a discussion to take place. Ludwig AI validates the appropriateness of this phrase. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic and Scientific contexts indicating its versatility across formal and informal communication. While

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for dialogue

Replaces "basis" with "foundation" and "conversation" with "dialogue", emphasizing the underlying support for communication.

starting point for discussion

Substitutes "basis" with "starting point" and "conversation" with "discussion", focusing on the initiation of a formal exchange.

reason for dialogue

Replaces "basis" with "reason", highlighting the justification for engaging in conversation.

premise for discussion

Replaces "basis" with "premise", suggesting an assumed truth or proposition that forms the groundwork.

groundwork for communication

Emphasizes the preparatory work or foundation needed for effective communication.

rationale for discourse

Uses more formal terms, "rationale" and "discourse", to indicate the underlying logic for a structured conversation.

framework for interaction

Highlights the structural support that enables interaction and conversation.

common ground for discussion

Focuses on shared understanding or agreement that allows a discussion to proceed.

subject for conversation

Points out the topic or theme that the conversation revolves around.

agenda for discussion

Suggests a list of items or topics planned for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for conversation" in a sentence?

Use "basis for conversation" to indicate the underlying reason or topic that initiates a discussion. For example, "The report provided a solid "basis for conversation" among the team members".

What's a good alternative to "basis for conversation"?

Alternatives include "foundation for dialogue", "starting point for discussion", or "reason for dialogue", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ground for conversation" instead of "basis for conversation"?

While "ground for conversation" is understandable, "basis for conversation" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "basis for conversation" and "topic of conversation"?

"Basis for conversation" refers to the underlying reason or foundation that allows a conversation to begin or continue. "Topic of conversation" simply refers to the subject being discussed. The "topic of conversation" can be the result of the basis for it.