engaging in a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engaging in a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of participating in a dialogue or discussion with someone. Example: "I enjoy engaging in a conversation about different cultures and their traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Nobody's comfortable in engaging in a conversation".

The New York Times - Sports

Engaging in a conversation that may produce such information requires some finesse.

The New York Times

C) Failed to make sure the phone was really hung up before engaging in a conversation that included the name of his female opponent and the word "whore".

The New York Times

The brand proved that it was in touch with its consumers favorite celebrities while also engaging in a conversation with its shoppers.

Independent

Politics is alienating the public by being about nothing, by engaging in a conversation that is increasingly disconnected from the conversations going on outside.

The Guardian

Encourage them to minimize distractions and manage one task at a time, shutting down social media while working online for homework or engaging in a conversation.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I try to engage in a conversation," Maron says.

The Guardian

It allows us to engage in a conversation with people".

The New York Times

I was seated next to a friend, engaged in a conversation.

The New York Times

The two officers roused him, and all three engage in a conversation.

The New York Times

Mr. Munter called on the Pakistani government to engage in a conversation about the way forward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engaging in a conversation" when you want to emphasize active participation and interaction in a dialogue, rather than simply speaking or listening. This is useful in contexts where the quality of interaction matters.

Common error

While "engaging in a conversation" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "talking" or "chatting" when the situation calls for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaging in a conversation" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engaging in a conversation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies active and meaningful participation in a dialogue. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely employed across news, academic, and professional settings. While versatile, it is best suited for contexts where the quality of interaction is emphasized. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives such as "talking" or "chatting" may be more appropriate. Remember, the choice of language should align with the intended audience and communicative goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in conversation

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same idea.

talking with someone

A simple and direct way of saying engaging in a conversation.

participating in a dialogue

Focuses more on a structured exchange of ideas.

having a discussion

Emphasizes a more general exchange of views.

taking part in a discussion

Highlights the action of joining an existing conversation.

involved in a discussion

Indicates a state of being part of an ongoing exchange.

conversing with someone

Highlights the act of speaking back and forth with someone.

in dialogue with

Similar to 'participating in a dialogue' emphasizing a formal and structured discussion.

holding a conversation

Implies taking responsibility for leading or managing a conversation.

having a chat

Suggests a more informal and friendly exchange.

FAQs

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

You can use "engaging in a conversation" to describe the act of actively participating in a discussion, such as "The workshop focused on techniques for "engaging in a conversation" with customers".

What are some alternatives to "engaging in a conversation"?

Alternatives include "participating in a dialogue", "having a discussion", or simply "talking with someone", depending on the level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "engaging in a conversation" and "having a conversation"?

"Engaging in a conversation" emphasizes active and meaningful participation, while "having a conversation" is a more general term for any exchange of words. The former implies a deeper level of involvement.

When is it appropriate to use "engaging in a conversation"?

It is suitable in professional, academic, or formal contexts where you want to highlight the quality and depth of the interaction. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "chatting" or "talking".