conversations were held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conversations were held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that discussions took place, often in a formal or official context. Example: "After the meeting, it was reported that conversations were held between the two parties to resolve the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many side conversations were held between members of every possible combination of party and chamber.

The New York Times

Conversations were held under grave stress, and are recalled through grief, time and longing.

The New York Times

He demurred when asked what kinds of conversations were held on what level, let alone whether money changed hands.

The New York Times

I had never been in a house where conversations were held during dinner or where food was placed before me after being prepared behind closed doors.

The New Yorker

In the opening weekend of the Biennial a temporary dome was erected, under which conversations were held between locals and professionals about the future direction of the park.

The Guardian - Arts

Doctrinal conversations were held at the multilateral level under the heading of Faith and Order and at the bilateral level between particular pairs among the global confessional families or communions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Most conversations are held over open phones, which were the ones that the authorities feared might have been compromised.

The New York Times

I think so much could be done if there were more conversations being held between those two worlds.

TechCrunch

Most cell phone conversations are held indoors, yet all the base stations and towers are located outdoors.

TechCrunch

I think it's a rich space to really tackle diversity with gender, and so I would like to see more conversations being held about that.

TechCrunch

Whether these conversations are held one-on-one between managers and employees or administered through a more in-depth survey, this step of the process should be a two-way loop of feedback between leadership and the broader organization.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conversations were held" when you want to emphasize that discussions occurred without specifying who initiated or led them, maintaining a neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "conversations were held" when the subject or initiator of the conversation is more important than the fact that a conversation took place. In such cases, active voice constructions are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conversations were held" functions as a passive construction indicating that discussions occurred. This construction allows the writer to emphasize the action (conversations) rather than the actor, aligning with Ludwig's observation that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conversations were held" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction to indicate that discussions or meetings took place. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and scientific writing, its formality makes it less suitable for casual settings. Consider active voice alternatives when the subject of the conversation is more important than the fact that it occurred. Overall, "conversations were held" is a versatile phrase for conveying information about dialogues in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussions took place

Replaces "conversations" with "discussions", emphasizing a more formal exchange.

talks occurred

Substitutes "conversations were held" with a more concise expression.

meetings were conducted

Emphasizes the structured and organized nature of the meetings.

dialogues transpired

Employs a more formal and literary term for "conversations".

consultations were undertaken

Highlights the advisory or collaborative nature of the conversations.

interviews were carried out

Focuses on structured question-and-answer sessions.

exchanges were made

Highlights the reciprocal nature of communication.

liaisons occurred

Suggests a formal or official connection or communication.

conferences convened

Implies larger, more formal gatherings.

sessions were conducted

Emphasizes structured and task-oriented meetings.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "conversations were held" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "they had discussions", "participants talked", or "negotiations occurred". The best choice depends on the specific context and the actors involved.

What's the difference between "conversations were held" and "discussions took place"?

While similar, "discussions took place" often suggests a more formal or structured exchange than "conversations were held", which can encompass more casual dialogues.

Is "conversations were held" too formal for casual writing?

Yes, in informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "they talked" or "they chatted". The passive construction of "conversations were held" lends itself to more formal or neutral registers.

When is it best to use the passive voice "conversations were held"?

Use the passive voice when the action itself is more important than who performed it, or when the actors are unknown or unimportant. This is common in formal reports and news articles.