begin a chat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin a chat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when initiating a conversation, either in person or through digital communication platforms. Example: "If you have any questions, feel free to begin a chat with our support team at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But, unnerved by Jolly's wayward flitting, I feel inhibited and realise I don't know how to begin a chat in Second Life.

The Guardian

If two users mutually "like" each other, they can begin a chat.

TechCrunch

After all, the hardest part of using a dating app where you have to begin a chat session with a perfect stranger is finding something to chat about when you know so little about them.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Koranie, 42, who runs his family fabric shop in downtown Amman, began a chat here by standing firmly behind his king "and anyone else against terrorism".

The New York Times

We began a chat with what we both believed to be a man, who expectedly got straight into some really dirty, misspelled talk: "Lik my nutz".

TechCrunch

Choose a user to chat with and click on the blue text chat button to begin a text chat.

WikiHow

If you begin a Facebook chat with somebody who has to dash out, you can keep right on chatting via text message; the phone seamlessly switches between those chat channels.

The New York Times - Tech

You no longer have to begin a video chat by first starting with an audio call, for example; there's a dedicated Start Video Chat button.

The New York Times - Tech

To begin a call or chat, you simply tap or click on your friend's profiles.

TechCrunch

J.J. Hollister III was a 10-year-old boy listening to President Franklin D. Roosevelt begin a radio "fireside chat" when he was startled by the thunder of a distant cannon.

Los Angeles Times

Some American Airlines workers might end up worse than when they started if they begin such a chat and utilize these alleged employee benefits.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin a chat" to clearly indicate the start of an interaction, especially in technical instructions or when describing processes. For instance, "Click here to "begin a chat" with our support team."

Common error

Avoid using "begin a chat" in highly informal contexts, like casual conversations with friends. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "start talking" or "catch up" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a chat" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a conversational exchange. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin a chat" correctly describes initiating a conversation and is most appropriate in neutral to slightly formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While alternatives like "start a conversation" may be more common in casual settings, "begin a chat" clearly conveys the start of an interaction, making it useful in instructions or process descriptions. It's important to consider the audience and context to choose the most appropriate phrase, but "begin a chat" remains a valid and understandable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start a conversation

This alternative is a more general and widely applicable way to describe initiating dialogue.

get a conversation going

This is a more casual way to talk about initiating a conversation.

initiate a discussion

This alternative suggests a more formal or structured start to a conversation.

open a dialogue

This phrase emphasizes the reciprocal nature of communication.

start messaging

Implies the use of a messaging platform to start a conversation.

commence chatting

This alternative adds a slightly more formal or archaic tone to the act of starting a chat.

launch a discussion

This alternative suggests a more structured or planned start to the chat.

kick off a conversation

This alternative is informal, suggesting an energetic start to a chat.

begin communicating

This phrase is broader, referring to any form of communication, not just chatting.

establish contact

This emphasizes making the initial connection before conversation begins.

FAQs

How can I use "begin a chat" in a sentence?

You can use "begin a chat" in sentences like: "If you have any questions, feel free to "begin a chat" with a representative", or "To "begin a chat", click on the icon in the lower right corner of your screen".

What are some alternatives to "begin a chat"?

Some alternatives to "begin a chat" include "start a conversation", "initiate a discussion", or "open a dialogue" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start a chat" instead of "begin a chat"?

Yes, "start a chat" is a perfectly acceptable and often more common alternative to "begin a chat". Both phrases convey the same meaning of initiating a conversation.

In what contexts is "begin a chat" most appropriate?

"Begin a chat" is appropriate in formal settings, instructions, or when describing the technical process of starting a conversation. In informal settings, "start a chat" or other more casual phrases may be preferable.