cordial conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"cordial conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a polite and friendly exchange of words. For example: "We had a cordial conversation about current events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Over lunch, our cordial conversation steered clear of personal subjects.

The New Yorker

"We had a very cordial conversation," he recalled.

The Guardian

What was a cordial conversation had turned toxic.

The Guardian

"It was a very cordial conversation," he said.

The New York Times

It appears to have been a relatively cordial conversation.

The Guardian

During this year's protest, Yenyo engaged in a cordial conversation with a team employee.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The police have had "cordial" conversations in person and by telephone with Mr. Donnelly, Chief Hunt said.

The New York Times

As a person of color, I can't expect that having cordial conversations with white people will change the corporation.

Harvard Business Review

A Gingrich adviser said they had had cordial conversations privately lately and even put their heads together about how to block Mr. Romney from clinching the nomination.

The New York Times

Some even engage in cordial conversations with their neighbors and the architects, the goal being to end up with a design that makes everyone happy.

The New York Times

The president said he continued to engage in "cordial" conversations with Trump and has offered the president-elect advice in private.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more relaxed and approachable tone, consider alternatives such as "friendly chat" or "pleasant exchange".

Common error

Avoid using "cordial conversation" in extremely informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted among close friends or in casual settings. Opt for more natural-sounding alternatives like "chat" or "talk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordial conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "cordial" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes a specific type of interaction characterized by politeness and friendliness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cordial conversation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe polite and friendly exchanges, particularly in professional or formal settings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of civility and goodwill. While common in news and business contexts, it's best to avoid overusing it in informal situations where more relaxed alternatives like "friendly chat" or "pleasant talk" might be more appropriate. When using "cordial conversation", ensure the exchange genuinely reflects a polite and respectful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amicable discussion

Replaces "conversation" with "discussion" and "cordial" with "amicable", both suggesting friendliness and goodwill.

friendly chat

Uses more informal terms, "friendly" and "chat", to convey a relaxed and pleasant exchange.

polite discourse

Substitutes "cordial" with "polite" and "conversation" with "discourse", indicating a formal and respectful exchange.

agreeable dialogue

Emphasizes the pleasant nature of the exchange, using "agreeable" and "dialogue" to highlight mutual understanding.

gracious exchange

Focuses on the courteous aspect of the interaction, using "gracious" to imply kindness and civility.

civilized discussion

Highlights the well-mannered aspect of the conversation, suggesting an absence of conflict.

pleasant exchange of views

Expands on the idea of conversation to include the sharing of opinions in a positive manner.

harmonious communication

Emphasizes the agreement and lack of discord in the interaction.

affable interaction

Uses "affable" to stress the friendliness and ease of the interaction.

warm exchange

Highlights the positive and friendly atmosphere of the interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "cordial conversation" to describe a friendly and polite exchange between two or more people. For example, "The diplomats had a "cordial conversation" about the trade agreement".

What's a less formal way to say "cordial conversation"?

If you want to sound less formal, you could use phrases like "friendly chat", "pleasant talk", or simply "nice chat" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "cordial conversation" and "heated debate"?

"Cordial conversation" implies a polite and friendly exchange, while "heated debate" suggests a passionate and potentially contentious discussion. The former focuses on agreement and respect, whereas the latter emphasizes disagreement and strong opinions.

Is "cordial conversation" appropriate for describing a business meeting?

Yes, "cordial conversation" is often appropriate for describing a business meeting, especially when the goal is to establish a positive working relationship. However, it's important that the conversation is actually cordial, and not just described as such.