exchanged words with him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchanged words with him" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a conversation or dialogue between two people. Example: "After the meeting, I exchanged words with him about the project." Alternative expressions include "had a conversation with him," "talked with him," and "spoke with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Flores said he had music blaring from his car stereo and Mr. Turner came outside and exchanged words with him.

The New York Times

McCormack said Moore and patrol partner Erik Jansen – both in plainclothes in an unmarked police car – approached Blackwell on a Queens street after seeing him tugging at his waistband around 6 15pm on Saturday and asked him: "What are you carrying?" The officers ordered Blackwell to stop and exchanged words with him.

The Guardian

The Dallas journalist, Seth Kantor, who was a reporter for the Scripps-Howard wire service and a White House correspondent who rode in the motorcade, knew Ruby and testified that he exchanged words with him at Parkland Memorial Hospital at the time the official news of President Kennedy's death was announced.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Around 4 a.m. on Aug. 15, Mr. Garzon and a friend were leaving the Friends Tavern, a gay bar on Roosevelt Avenue, when two men in a red car began exchanging words with him.

The New York Times

I didn't really get to exchange words with him, but my good dude compass points to "easy going mensch" and a friend of a friend told me that he smokes a lot of pot.

Vice

The victim "exchanged words" with the assailant, who shot him and then fled, said a police spokesman, Sgt. Peter Sweeney.

The New York Times

After the visit to the mound, Turner exchanged words with Smith for not letting him get set for the pitch in the batter's box.

The New York Times - Sports

Reid, who has criticized Jenkins for ceasing to protest after striking a deal with the N.F.L., exchanged words with Jenkins before the game and criticized him afterward.

The New York Times

Pierce Allman ran to the Texas School Book Depository, seen behind him, in search of a phone and briefly exchanged words with a stranger — who he later learned was Lee Harvey Oswald.

Los Angeles Times

Charles allegedly exchanged words with the driver, at which point the driver pulled out a gun and shot him, then sped off.

The New York Times

We both exchanged words with each other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchanged words with him" to indicate a brief conversation or interaction, particularly when the content of the exchange is not the primary focus. It's a useful way to introduce a scene or situation without delving into the specifics of what was said.

Common error

Avoid using "exchanged words with him" in overly formal or academic writing. More precise language, such as "discussed" or "conferred", often lends more clarity and professionalism to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged words with him" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a communicative action between two or more individuals. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in news reports to describe interactions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchanged words with him" is a verb phrase that describes a verbal interaction between individuals. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is typically used in news and media contexts to set the stage for a narrative or to describe an interaction before further actions occur. While the phrase is valid, alternatives like "had a conversation with him" or "spoke to him" might provide more clarity in certain formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable, fitting well within a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a conversation with him

Replaces "exchanged words" with a more general term for a verbal interaction.

spoke to him

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone had a conversation.

talked with him

Similar to "spoke to him" but slightly more informal.

had a discussion with him

Suggests a more in-depth or formal conversation.

communicated with him

A broader term that can include non-verbal communication but still implies a verbal exchange.

chatted with him

Implies a casual and friendly conversation.

conversed with him

A more formal and less common way of saying "had a conversation".

argued with him

Suggests a disagreement or heated exchange of words.

debated with him

Implies a more structured and formal argument or discussion.

had a dialogue with him

Suggests a structured exchange of ideas or opinions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "exchange words with someone"?

To "exchange words with someone" means to have a conversation or brief discussion with them. It can also imply a disagreement or argument, depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "exchanged words with him"?

You can use alternatives like "had a conversation with him", "spoke to him", or "talked with him" depending on the context.

Is "exchanged words with him" formal or informal?

The phrase "exchanged words with him" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language is often preferred in formal writing.

How do I use "exchanged words with him" in a sentence?

You can use "exchanged words with him" to describe a brief interaction or conversation, such as: "The police officers "exchanged words with" the suspect before making an arrest."