establish a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"establish a conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to ask or suggest that two people, or a group of people, start talking to each other. Example: At the party, make sure you take the opportunity to establish a conversation with some of the other guests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Erowid's object is to help establish a conversation about drugs in which "actual accurate information is published and agreed upon".

The New Yorker

This means universities don't establish a conversation with alumni in which giving is an accepted part of the relationship until later.

The Guardian

This might mean standing candidates eventually, he says, but the first ambition is to "establish a conversation" between leftwing and progressive centre-right parties that grapples on a Europe-wide basis with issues like the refugee crisis, the financial crisis, migration and the rise of the far right.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most important to the success of any online course, Dr. Lambert says, is establishing a conversation between students and teachers through e-mail and phone calls.

The New York Times

For an online meeting, a Web-based profile or status update establishes a conversation starter.

Forbes

He said the Abbott government's SPC sledging was its way of establishing a conversation around industrial relations conditions and union power without actually spelling it out.

Vice

But a big opportunity was lost after the general election to establish a national conversation about how our public services can respond to rising demands and tightening finances, and at the same time achieve better social outcomes.

The Guardian

Families should establish an ongoing conversation about fraud that stresses the best ways to protect financial privacy on paper, online and in face-to-face dealings.

Huffington Post

Many pieces take the form of scraps that could be posted to that site: his favourite trick is to establish a seemingly mundane conversation that puts on an unexpected spurt of intellectual energy.

The Guardian - Books

Its key value proposition is not immediately visible, but essentially resides in its ability to establish a two-way conversation with its customers.

TechCrunch

By including the user name of a target in your message to someone who is running track on their name, you can establish a real time conversation on the spot.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "establish a conversation", consider the tone and setting. Choose language appropriate for the intended audience to create a welcoming environment for open communication.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal language when trying to "establish a conversation" in a casual setting. A conversational approach is typically more effective in building rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a conversation" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of initiating or setting up a dialogue. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct way to suggest or describe the beginning of communication. Examples show it is used in various contexts, from politics to online education.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establish a conversation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes the action of initiating a dialogue, with applications ranging from formal discussions to casual chats. The phrase appears most often in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, consider the intended audience and setting to ensure the tone is appropriate. While both "establish a conversation" and "start a conversation" are valid, "establish a conversation" implies a more intentional and structured beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a dialogue

Emphasizes the starting point of the exchange; more formal.

start a discussion

Highlights the beginning of a more structured exchange.

foster communication

Focuses on nurturing and developing an ongoing exchange.

create an opening for dialogue

Highlights making space to have a conversation.

spark a discourse

Suggests igniting a more formal and in-depth exchange.

set up a chat

A more informal alternative, implying a casual exchange.

develop a rapport

Focuses on building a relationship through conversation.

open lines of communication

Highlights the act of making channels for exchanging ideas available.

begin to converse

Focuses on the act of starting to speak.

kick off a conversation

An informal alternative to start the dialogue.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish a conversation" to describe the act of starting a dialogue, such as "The goal of the meeting is to establish a conversation between the two departments".

What can I say instead of "establish a conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate a dialogue", "start a discussion", or "foster communication" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "establish a conversation" or "start a conversation"?

Both "establish a conversation" and "start a conversation" are correct, but "establish a conversation" implies a more intentional and structured beginning, while "start a conversation" is more general.

What's the difference between "establish a conversation" and "establish a connection"?

"Establish a conversation" refers specifically to beginning a dialogue, while "establish a connection" implies building a relationship or rapport, which may or may not involve extensive conversation.