engaged in conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"engaged in conversation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is actively participating in a conversation or dialogue with another person or group of people. Example: The group of colleagues were engaged in conversation about the new project during their lunch break.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But I love it when people are engaged in conversation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some were silent, others engaged in conversation with the crowd.

The New York Times

Whenever they engaged in conversation, the person always wanted something from them.

The New Yorker

I inadvertently block out every voice around me, even when I'm engaged in conversation.

The Guardian

He would politely greet an approaching reporter, but he never engaged in conversation or granted interviews.

The New York Times

When the two men wandered out into the sunlight, they were still engaged in conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He just exited the door while she was engaged in conversation".

The New York Times

Sitting just four chairs away, Mrs. Clinton was engaged in conversation with a number of senators, but not Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

While the others walked along engaged in conversation, he slipped away to buy a birthday bouquet for Mrs. Hecht.

The New York Times

Prior to his speech, he was engaged in conversation in the foyer by two young men posing as students".

The Guardian

So why hang out in public like that? "It's not because I'm engaged in conversation with people," he explains.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal contexts, consider replacing "engaged in conversation" with "participating in a dialogue" to convey a more structured and purposeful exchange.

Common error

In casual settings, avoid "engaged in conversation" as it may sound overly formal. Opt for alternatives like "chatting" or "talking" to maintain a relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaged in conversation" typically functions as a participial phrase acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing someone or something as being actively involved in a discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engaged in conversation" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe active participation in a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly informal settings, opting for more casual alternatives. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Science, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize active involvement and attentiveness in any interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Talking with someone

Focuses on the act of speaking with another person, omitting the level of investment or purpose.

Having a dialogue

Highlights a reciprocal exchange, often implying mutual understanding is the goal.

In discussion

Implies a formal or structured exchange of ideas.

Exchanging views

Focuses on the sharing of opinions or perspectives.

Chatting with

Suggests a casual and friendly exchange.

In consultation

Denotes seeking advice or professional insight through discussion.

In conference

Indicates a more official or business-oriented discussion.

Bantering with

Conveys a lighthearted and playful exchange.

Corresponding with

Implies communication, often written, over a period.

Consorting with

Suggests associating or interacting, sometimes with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "engaged in conversation" to describe people who are actively participating in a dialogue. For example, "The delegates were engaged in conversation about the climate agreement".

What's the difference between "engaged in conversation" and "talking with someone"?

"Engaged in conversation" implies a more active and focused participation than "talking with someone", suggesting a deeper level of interaction and attentiveness.

What are some alternatives to "engaged in conversation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in discussion", "having a dialogue", or "chatting with".

Is "engaged in conversation" formal or informal?

"Engaged in conversation" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For very informal contexts, consider using phrases like "chatting" or "talking".