conversational context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conversational context" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the circumstances or background in which a conversation takes place, affecting its meaning or interpretation. Example: "Understanding the conversational context is crucial for interpreting the speaker's intent accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Parents were asked to rate whether statements about their child were "certainly true," "somewhat true," or "not true," which were coded as 0, 1, and 2. The following subscales were summed to generate a pragmatic language abilities score: inappropriate initiation, coherence, stereotyped conversation, conversational context, and conversational rapport.

Biological Psychiatry

The generative semanticists, influenced by ordinary language philosophy, argued that sentences could not be understood outside a specific conversational context.

The New Yorker

This view, originally articulated in "The Meaning of 'Meaning,' " was later elaborated on to highlight further features of linguistic practice, the most important being context-dependence, or the variation of meaning with speaker background and conversational context.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suppose the conversational context renders one dog salient among several that are visible.

SEP

Other context-sensitive terms are gradable adjectives like 'tall' how tall something must be to count as 'tall' depends on the conversational context and quantifiers like 'everyone' which people count as part of 'everyone' depends on the conversational context.

SEP

In the conversational context just set up, the world has no counterparts that are inhabited by unicorns.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The first line of thought comes from reflection on examples concerning the requirements that have to be met in order to understand demonstrative expressions in conversational contexts where one of the participants in the conversation uses expressions such as 'that woman', but where various women are present, all of whom are possible referents for this demonstrative.

SEP

Austin's Oxford colleague H.P. Grice (1913 88) developed a sophisticated theory of how nonliteral aspects of meaning are generated and recovered through the exploitation of general principles of rational cooperation as adapted to conversational contexts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Different conversational contexts make different respects salient.

SEP

What is capricious about selection is that different speakers, in different conversational contexts, will disagree about what is a cause and what is a background condition.

SEP

A consequence of contextualism is that sentences containing 'knows' may express distinct propositions, depending on the conversational contexts in which they're uttered.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "conversational context", ensure that you clearly define which aspects of the setting (social, emotional, situational) are most relevant to the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience automatically understands the "conversational context" you're referring to. Explicitly state or imply the relevant background information to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conversational context" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'in the conversational context') or as a subject complement. It denotes the circumstances surrounding a conversation that influence its meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conversational context" correctly identifies the circumstances that frame a discussion and influence its meaning. Ludwig AI affirms that its grammatical structure is correct, being used in many different contexts, especially in scientific, news and encyclopedia sources. To ensure clarity, explicitly define the aspects of the setting you refer to. Common errors include assuming your audience shares your understanding of the context. Related phrases include "dialogue setting" and "communicative situation". Understanding this context is crucial for effective communication and avoiding misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

background of the conversation

Focuses on the information and assumptions participants bring to the conversation.

dialogue setting

Focuses on the environment in which a dialogue occurs, emphasizing the physical or social space.

circumstances of the interaction

Emphasizes external conditions and events affecting the interaction.

communicative situation

Highlights the broader situation in which communication takes place, including all relevant factors.

discourse environment

Emphasizes the linguistic and social factors that influence discourse.

interactive backdrop

Stresses the dynamic and responsive nature of the setting for interaction.

exchange framework

Focuses on the structure and rules governing an exchange of information.

conversation's premise

Highlights the underlying assumptions and starting point of a conversation.

thematic framework of the discussion

Focuses on the subject matter and recurring ideas within the discussion.

setting of the discourse

Similar to dialogue setting, but emphasizes the formal aspects of discourse.

FAQs

How does "conversational context" affect meaning?

The "conversational context" provides the necessary background, assumptions, and social cues that shape how a message is interpreted. Without understanding the context, the intended meaning can be easily misunderstood.

What elements comprise "conversational context"?

Elements of "conversational context" include the relationship between speakers, the setting of the conversation, shared knowledge, previous turns in the conversation, and any non-verbal cues. These elements collectively influence the interpretation of messages.

What's the difference between "conversational context" and "topic"?

"Conversational context" refers to the overall setting and background of a conversation, while "topic" refers to the subject being discussed. Understanding the "conversational context" helps interpret how the topic is addressed.

How can I determine the "conversational context"?

To determine the "conversational context", consider the setting, the participants involved, their relationship, their goals for the conversation, and any implicit assumptions or shared knowledge. Actively listening and asking clarifying questions can help.