conversing with

USAGE SUMMARY

"conversing with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone is talking to another person. Example: I enjoyed conversing with my old friend over coffee.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When conversing with somebody, do your best to make the conversation flow naturally.

WikiHow

Conversation is a good way to judge if the person you are conversing with is lying.

WikiHow

Practice conversing with your child to alleviate his or her fears of starting a conversation.

WikiHow

Conversing with strangers was discouraged.

The New Yorker

Jemima earnestly conversing with the foxy gentleman.

Princeton University

It's different from conversing with someone in the car".

The New York Times - Health

Is it conversing with Tess Giberson's abstract crochet work?

The New Yorker

@KTHopkins I have no interest in ever conversing with you.

Independent

Color photograph of men conversing with cocktails at a wedding.

The New Yorker

Once she stumbled and fell while conversing with friends.

The New York Times

Yes," said Mr. Clutter, as though conversing with himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and simplicity, "talking to" or "chatting with" might be preferable in informal contexts. Reserve "conversing with" for situations where a more deliberate or thoughtful exchange is implied.

Common error

Avoid using "conversing with" in very casual situations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "talking to" or "chatting with" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conversing with" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "conversing" acts as a gerund (verb acting as a noun) and "with" is the preposition. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various sentence structures to denote an interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conversing with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes an active engagement in a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. Alternative phrases like "talking to" or "chatting with" may be more suitable for informal settings. When used thoughtfully, "conversing with" effectively conveys a sense of meaningful interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking to

A more informal and general way of describing the act of communication.

chatting with

Suggests a more casual and friendly conversation.

speaking with

More formal than "talking to" but less formal than "conferring with".

in conversation with

Emphasizes the state of being engaged in a dialogue.

discussing with

Focuses on a more in-depth exchange of ideas.

having a conversation with

A slightly more descriptive and less concise alternative.

communicating with

A broader term that includes non-verbal exchanges.

consulting with

Implies seeking advice or information from someone.

conferring with

Suggests a formal discussion, often in a professional context.

interlocuting with

A rare and overly formal synonym.

FAQs

What's the difference between "conversing with" and "talking to"?

"Conversing with" implies a more thoughtful and engaged exchange, while "talking to" is a more general and informal term. You might use "talking to" a friend about your day, but you might be "conversing with" an expert about a complex topic.

When is it appropriate to use "conversing with"?

Use "conversing with" when you want to emphasize the intellectual or deliberate nature of the conversation. It's suitable for formal settings, academic discussions, or when highlighting the quality of the exchange.

What are some alternatives to "conversing with" for formal situations?

In formal contexts, consider using "speaking with", "conferring with", or "consulting with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "conversing with" considered formal language?

Yes, "conversing with" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "talking to" or "chatting with". Choose it when you want to convey a sense of seriousness or respect for the conversation.