dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation between two or more people, often in the context of literature, film, or discussions. Example: "The dialogue between the characters in the play was both engaging and thought-provoking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only with dialogue and debate will it be possible to change the current law, which is retrograde and sexist, causing death and suffering to women and their families".

The Guardian

The show hangs on its carefully chosen and often filigreed dialogue, and it is that which leads you into the dark corners.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Although Binyamin Netanyahu has been vociferous in addressing the perceived Iranian threat to Israel, during his first term as prime minister in the late 1990s he evidently sent signals that he was interested in dialogue with Tehran.

The Guardian

The university should immediately drop this injunction and enter into a genuine dialogue with students rather than slapping an injunction across campus for a full year without even consulting their students' union".

The Guardian

A carefully-managed Manama conference on the "dialogue of civilisations" included Christian and Jewish delegations but excluded mainstream Shia or opposition clerics.

The Guardian

Week 3: Workshop focusing on character and dialogue - Tuesday 22nd September The discussion will include naturalism and authenticity, restriction, identity, reliability, sympathy, time and transformation, cliché, observation and detail, interiority and exteriority, activity and psychology, and reader interpretation.

The Guardian

Each new performer will be greeted by sighs of dis may and hoots of derision, usually during the crucial bit of dialogue on which your enjoyment depends.

The Guardian

I'd like to sound the less resonant call for a document that allows for dialogue, reflecting concerns as they emerge.

The Guardian

"This kind of honest dialogue is essential for identifying shared priorities and deploying scarce resources most efficiently.

The Guardian

Sure, you might miss out on the odd garbled line of dialogue here or there, but so what?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To what extent should dialogue stand alone and what comes into play when we interpret a character's way of speaking?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, ensure the "dialogue" sounds authentic and reflects the character's personality and background.

Common error

Avoid using "dialogue" in very casual conversations; simpler terms like "chat" or "talk" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Dialogue functions primarily as a noun, referring to a conversation or exchange of ideas between two or more people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used in various contexts to describe both literary exchanges and formal discussions, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Dialogue is a versatile term, primarily used as a noun, to describe conversations or exchanges, often with a specific purpose. As verified by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, underscores its widespread acceptance. While similar to terms like "conversation" or "discussion", "dialogue" often carries a connotation of formality and purpose. When writing, it's best to use "dialogue" in contexts where structured communication and mutual understanding are emphasized, and to reserve more informal terms for casual exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conversation

A more general term for spoken exchange; lacks the implication of structured intent found in "dialogue".

Discussion

Similar to conversation, but implies a more focused exchange of ideas.

Negotiation

Suggests an exchange with the aim of reaching an agreement.

Consultation

Implies seeking advice or information from someone.

Exchange of views

A formal way to describe sharing opinions.

Communication

A broad term covering any form of conveying information.

Interchange

Focuses on the reciprocal aspect of exchanging thoughts or ideas.

Conference

Emphasizes a more formal and organized setting for discussion.

Meeting

Implies gathering for a specific purpose, which may include discussion.

Deliberation

Suggests careful and thorough discussion, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "dialogue" in a sentence?

You can use "dialogue" to describe a conversation between two or more people, as in "The success of the peace talks depended on open "dialogue" between the parties".

What's the difference between "dialogue" and "conversation"?

"Dialogue" often implies a more formal or structured exchange, whereas "conversation" is a more general term for any spoken exchange.

What can I say instead of "dialogue"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "discussion", "negotiation", or "consultation".

Is "dialogue" formal or informal?

"Dialogue" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. It's less common in very informal settings.