defining conversations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining conversations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to discussions that shape or clarify important ideas, concepts, or relationships. Example: "The defining conversations we had during the meeting helped us align our goals for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While the artist admits that his young tool may not be perfect ("these blacklists are updated frequently, and most countries do not publish their blacklists publicly") it reflects the mutability of internet access and communication surveillance, which, as we saw with yesterday's monumentous court ruling, has become one of the defining conversations around the Digital Age.

Vice

"One of the most defining conversations that I had with myself was that absolutely no good can come from me staying quiet about [my sexuality]," Quinto continues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not if we define conversation as a situation in which one person talks and another listens, while a hope of resolution scents the air.

The New York Times

Other qualities which help to define conversation include the equal distribution of speaker rights; mutual respect among speakers; spontaneity and informality; and a non-businesslike ambience.

The Economist

The last of these was well caught by Johnson when he defined conversation as "talk beyond that which is necessary to the purposes of actual business".If conversation, and politeness, do have common features across time and culture, it is not all that surprising that newer manuals will find little to add in terms of fundamental principles.

The Economist

-- has become one of the defining conversation starters in both popular culture and news media.

Huffington Post

4. Women shy away from important career-defining conversations, such as negotiating how and where they do their work, asking for promotions and letting people know about their accomplishments.

Huffington Post

Twitter conversation: we define Twitter conversation as a set of tweets posted by users at specific timestamp on the same topic.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Nevertheless, she defined the conversations as "positive and productive" and said "real and concrete steps" towards re-establishing the long frozen diplomatic ties had been discussed.

BBC

A recent report published by Forrester Research defines sponsored conversations as, "A marketing technique in which marketers provide financial or material compensation to bloggers in exchange for their posting blog content about a brand".

TechCrunch

Miller defines conversation as the act of speaking with others without any objective other than enjoyment and exchange, and there is something conversational about his own style, which tends toward anecdote and ignores theoretical approaches that could have enriched his argument.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining conversations", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defined or shaped by the conversation. For example, specify whether it's defining a relationship, a cultural shift, or a political landscape.

Common error

Avoid using "defining conversations" when the discussion merely contributes to an ongoing process, rather than fundamentally shaping it. Opt for alternatives like "relevant discussions" or "important exchanges" if the impact is less conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining conversations" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "conversations". It specifies the type of conversations being discussed, indicating that they are crucial in shaping or determining something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining conversations" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, that describes pivotal discussions shaping outcomes or understandings. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary usage in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases include "pivotal discussions" and "formative dialogues". When using "defining conversations", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defined by the conversation, and avoid overstating its impact if the discussion is merely contributory. Understanding these nuances will ensure its correct and effective use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal discussions

Emphasizes the turning-point nature of the conversations.

formative dialogues

Highlights the role of the conversations in shaping future developments.

critical exchanges

Focuses on the importance and necessity of the conversations.

significant discussions

Underlines the importance of the conversations.

essential conversations

Stresses the indispensable nature of the dialogues.

decisive talks

Suggests the conversations lead to clear decisions or outcomes.

groundbreaking dialogues

Emphasizes the innovative or precedent-setting nature of the discussions.

game-changing discussions

Highlights the transformative effect of the conversations.

transformative conversations

Focuses on the conversations' power to cause significant change.

key dialogues

Highlights that the dialogues are important or necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "defining conversations" in a sentence?

You can use "defining conversations" to describe discussions that significantly shape or clarify a concept, relationship, or situation. For example: "The "defining conversations" we had helped us establish clear boundaries."

What are some alternatives to "defining conversations"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "defining conversations" include "pivotal discussions", "formative dialogues", or "critical exchanges".

Is it correct to use "defining conversations" in a formal context?

Yes, "defining conversations" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing key events or turning points in a professional or academic setting. It accurately conveys the significant impact of certain discussions.

What makes a conversation "defining"?

A conversation can be considered "defining" when it establishes a clear understanding, sets a new direction, or significantly shapes future events or perspectives. It's a conversation whose impact is both immediate and far-reaching.