difficult dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult dialogue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a conversation that involves difficult topics, such as complex politics or emotionally charged events. For example: "The mediation session required difficult dialogue to reach a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This was quite difficult dialogue to do, because it wasn't natural.

The New Yorker

"We applaud the president's call to action to bring communities together to encourage an open and difficult dialogue," they said.

The New York Times

He said he had had a "close dialogue" with Mr. Karzai that had, "at times, been a very difficult dialogue".

The New York Times

The cardinal was until recently head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and had experience reaching out to Anglicanism, which he called "a difficult dialogue".

Independent

He also has far less experience of dealing with what Cardinal Kasper in his Focus interview called the "difficult dialogue" with the Church of England.

The Guardian

And how would we make it better?" "It's a difficult dialogue," said Ms. Sussman, who noted that in her experience, male gay couples tended to talk more openly about this issue than straight and lesbian couples did.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The listening and engagement skills are a powerful way of engaging people in difficult dialogues.

The Guardian

The Difficult Dialogues project is an international initiative that promotes the development of the art and skill of civil discourse as an essential outcome of higher education.

International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences

When intergroup conflict started disrupting the academic performance of first year nursing students, the School of Nursing consulted with the centre to facilitate a Difficult Dialogues session.

International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences

Importantly, such leaders construct possibilities for systemic resilience by cultivating safe spaces for difficult dialogues to take place.

Huffington Post

Abhishek's passionate commitment for youth activism, social justice, and interfaith cooperation is highlighted through his involvement with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Difficult Dialogues Initiative.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When initiating a "difficult dialogue", establish clear ground rules for respectful communication to ensure a productive exchange.

Common error

Resist the urge to jump to solutions before fully understanding all perspectives in a "difficult dialogue". Ensure all parties feel heard and validated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult dialogue" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "dialogue". It describes a specific type of conversation characterized by challenges. Ludwig confirms this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult dialogue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe conversations that are challenging, sensitive, or complex. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "challenging conversation" and "sensitive discussion". When engaging in a "difficult dialogue", it's best practice to establish clear communication guidelines and avoid jumping to premature solutions. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can help in navigating complex discussions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging conversation

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the discussion.

sensitive discussion

Focuses on the delicate nature of the topics discussed, rather than the difficulty itself.

complex exchange

Highlights the intricacy and multifaceted aspects of the communication.

contentious debate

Implies disagreement and potential conflict within the dialogue.

fraught discussion

Emphasizes the stress and anxiety associated with the conversation.

tough negotiation

Suggests a formal setting where parties are trying to reach an agreement despite difficulties.

delicate negotiation

Suggests a formal setting where parties are trying to reach an agreement with particular sensitivity to concerns and relationships.

uncomfortable conversation

Highlights the unpleasantness and unease associated with the topics.

heated exchange

Implies strong emotions and potentially angry or aggressive communication.

awkward discussion

Suggests a lack of ease and potential social discomfort during the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult dialogue" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult dialogue" to describe a challenging conversation, such as "The mediation session required difficult dialogue to reach a resolution."

What are some alternatives to "difficult dialogue"?

Alternatives include "challenging conversation", "sensitive discussion", or "complex exchange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "difficult dialogue" formal or informal?

"Difficult dialogue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often used in professional or academic settings when discussing sensitive or complex issues.

What makes a dialogue "difficult"?

A dialogue can be considered "difficult" due to the sensitivity of the topics discussed, conflicting viewpoints, strong emotions, or the need for careful and respectful communication.