engage in conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"engage in conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about talking to someone, either face-to-face or online. For example: Sarah enjoyed engaging in conversation with her friends after school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do customers engage in conversation?

Independent

We then proceed to tweet them to engage in conversation.

The Guardian

He would barely engage in conversation, giving one-word answers.

The Washington Post

Nervous that they don't want to engage in conversation?

Yale University

Perhaps that's the future of all relationships: don't engage in conversation, just leave voicemails.

Independent

But more often the oncologist and the cancer patient engage in conversation.

The New York Times

They read newspapers whose type is nearly legible; they listen to music and engage in conversation.

The New York Times

TO the extent George does engage in conversation, much of that conversation centers on the past.

The New York Times

This time, the characters occasionally sit down and engage in conversation.

The New Yorker

And yet, these are precisely the believers who refuse to engage in conversation with religious others.

The New York Times - Books

"Thomas Mair doesn't engage in conversation and he doesn't give much eye contact," she told police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engage in conversation" to describe active participation in a discussion, emphasizing mutual involvement and exchange.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing "engage in conversation" in very formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "deliberate", "negotiate", or "discuss" when specificity is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engage in conversation" functions as a verb phrase indicating active participation in a dialogue. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various scenarios, from casual interactions to professional discussions. It emphasizes the reciprocal nature of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engage in conversation" is a versatile and common expression used to describe active participation in dialogue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While appropriate for various contexts, from casual chats to professional discussions, careful consideration of the setting and audience is always advised. Related phrases such as "have a discussion" or "converse with" offer alternative ways to express the same concept, with varying degrees of formality. The abundance of examples across diverse sources, including news media, academic journals, and wikis, underscores the phrase's ubiquity and relevance in contemporary communication. Whether initiating a dialogue or contributing to an existing one, "engage in conversation" encapsulates the essence of interactive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

converse with

A simple synonym, but slightly more formal.

partake in conversation

A slightly more formal alternative to "engage in conversation".

hold a conversation

Implies maintaining a conversation over a period of time.

have a discussion

This alternative implies a more structured or purposeful exchange of ideas.

chat with

This suggests a more informal and casual interaction.

strike up a conversation

This suggests initiating a conversation, rather than participating in an ongoing one.

participate in dialogue

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the exchange of ideas.

exchange words

This is a more general term for talking, without specifying the nature of the interaction.

interact verbally

Focuses on the mode of communication rather than the content.

commune verbally

This alternative conveys a more intimate or spiritual connection through speech.

FAQs

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

You can use "engage in conversation" to describe participating actively in a discussion, such as: "The students were encouraged to "engage in conversation" with the guest speaker".

What's a more formal way to say "engage in conversation"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "participate in dialogue" or "hold a discussion", which imply a more structured exchange of ideas.

What's the difference between "chat with" and "engage in conversation"?

"Chat with" suggests a more informal, casual interaction, while "engage in conversation" implies a more active and involved participation in a discussion, regardless of its formality.

Is it always appropriate to "engage in conversation"?

While generally appropriate, consider the context. In situations requiring focused work or quiet reflection, attempting to "engage in conversation" might be disruptive. Always gauge the environment before initiating a dialogue.