conversation starter

USAGE SUMMARY

"conversation starter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this when trying to initiate a conversation in written communication. For example, if you are emailing someone to start a professional correspondence, you could open the message with, "Thank you for your time. This is a great conversation starter!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm a conversation starter".

The New York Times

Is this a conversation starter?

The New York Times

It is a conversation starter.

Harvard Business Review

"It's really a conversation starter".

The New York Times

It was a real conversation starter.

The New York Times

It was also quite the conversation starter.

The New York Times

It's a good conversation starter".

The Guardian - Sport

The page was certainly a conversation starter.

The New York Times

"It's a conversation starter," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

2. There's a built-in conversation starter.

Huffington Post

It's a conversation-starter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conversation starter" to introduce novel or intriguing elements that are likely to engage others. Instead of saying something mundane, frame it as "This unusual item is a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "conversation starter" to describe everything intended to be engaging. Variety in describing something as engaging (e.g., "engaging topic", "attention-grabbing"), will make writing more dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conversation starter" functions as a noun phrase, typically used attributively to describe something that initiates or facilitates conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing items, events, or even personal characteristics that prompt discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conversation starter" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term, as Ludwig AI confirms, for describing something that initiates dialogue. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to highlight elements that encourage social interaction. While appropriate in various contexts, including news, media, and informal settings, it is essential to use the phrase judiciously to maintain writing dynamism. Alternatives like "ice breaker", "lead-in", or "opening gambit" may be suitable depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ice breaker

More informal and often used to describe a game or activity designed to ease tension at the beginning of a social event.

Way to break the ice

Similar to “ice breaker”, indicating a means to reduce initial awkwardness.

Initial remark

A simple and neutral way to refer to the beginning of a conversation.

Lead-in

A preliminary remark or action; less direct than "conversation starter".

Conversation prompt

Focuses on triggering a conversation, often used in educational or therapeutic contexts.

Topic initiator

Focuses on the introduction of a subject matter.

Opening gambit

More formal, suggesting a strategic initial move in a conversation or negotiation.

Starting point for discussion

Emphasizes the purpose of initiating a dialogue or debate.

Catalyst for discussion

Highlights the role of prompting or accelerating a conversation.

Point of departure

Suggests a starting point for a discussion, often in a more academic or formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "conversation starter" to describe something that initiates a dialogue, such as "This artwork is a real conversation starter" or "The new policy proved to be a significant conversation starter at the meeting".

What can I say instead of "conversation starter"?

Alternatives include "ice breaker", "lead-in", or "opening gambit", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "conversation starter" a formal or informal phrase?

"Conversation starter" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "point of departure" or "catalyst for discussion".

What makes something a good "conversation starter"?

A good "conversation starter" is something that is interesting, relevant, and easily approachable, encouraging others to join in the discussion. It could be a question, a statement, an object, or even an event.