candid conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a conversation that is open and genuine. For example: "We had a candid conversation about our different views on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But more important, I think candid conversation about what the candidate has been doing serves a purpose.

The New York Times

Have a candid conversation.

The New York Times

A candid conversation on #Syria.

The Guardian

Start with a candid conversation.

Harvard Business Review

If you have any doubts, have a very candid conversation.

The New York Times

Your goal is to open the doors to candid conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Consider having a fairly candid conversation with your boss.

Harvard Business Review

I enjoyed some very candid conversation with RFU referee David Rose no less.

Independent

Food, drinks, and a candid conversation about being a journalist of color in 2018.

University of California, Berkeley

If Obama were "responsible," he would conduct a candid conversation about the role of government.

The Washington Post

"We had a surprisingly relaxed and candid conversation, as if we knew each other," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "candid conversation" when you want to emphasize the honesty and openness of a discussion, especially in situations where sensitive topics are addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "candid conversation" when a more informal or casual tone is appropriate. While "candid" implies honesty, it can also suggest a level of seriousness that might be out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candid conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "candid" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes the type of interaction taking place. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from politics to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

12%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "candid conversation" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase denoting an open and honest exchange. As noted by Ludwig, it's primarily employed in news, academic, and business contexts, emphasizing sincerity and directness. While suitable for professional settings, it should be distinguished from casual interactions. Alternatives like "frank discussion" or "open dialogue" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Therefore, using the phrase "candid conversation" effectively conveys the intention of a truthful and forthright communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frank discussion

Emphasizes directness and lack of reservation in the exchange.

open dialogue

Highlights inclusivity and willingness to consider different perspectives.

honest exchange

Focuses on the truthfulness and sincerity of the communication.

straightforward talk

Suggests simplicity and clarity in the way the conversation is conducted.

heart-to-heart

Implies a deep and personal conversation, often emotional.

no-holds-barred discussion

Indicates that all topics are open for debate, without restrictions.

unreserved communication

Stresses the absence of limitations or hesitations in expressing oneself.

truthful discourse

Elevates the conversation to a formal exchange of factual information.

transparent exchange

Highlights openness and visibility of motives and intentions.

authentic dialogue

Focuses on the genuine and sincere nature of the interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "candid conversation" to describe an open and honest discussion, such as "We had a "candid conversation" about our concerns".

What can I say instead of "candid conversation"?

Alternatives to "candid conversation" include "frank discussion", "open dialogue", or "honest exchange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "candid conversation" formal or informal?

"Candid conversation" is suitable for both professional and neutral contexts. While it suggests a serious exchange, it isn't overly formal and can be used in various settings.

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

A "candid conversation" implies a level of honesty and directness, often involving sensitive topics, while a "casual chat" is more relaxed and informal, typically without deep or serious discussion.