exploratory conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploratory conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion aimed at discovering new ideas or insights, often in a casual or open-ended manner. Example: "During our meeting, we engaged in an exploratory conversation about potential collaborations for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The Standard has learned that Ken Clark, Labour's London director, has telephoned Sir Alan for what Labour sources said was an "exploratory conversation" about him standing.

The Guardian

"With these developments, the door seems wide open to a U.S.-North U.S.-North Koreay convexploratory both sides want one," he said.

The New York Times

The newspaper asserts that there was "an exploratory conversation about the laws surrounding the financial backing of political parties and the advancement of the Muslim cause in Britain".

The Guardian

This starts with meeting key stakeholders with an initial exploratory conversation to understand their goals within the business.

Forbes

An interview guide was designed with key open-ended questions to encourage a natural exploratory conversation with the interviewee.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They will have exploratory conversations with a few free agents, starting with Jason Kidd.

The New York Times - Sports

I have heard something from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and their exploratory conversations with UN organizations.

The New Yorker

In addition Mr. Levine said he had had exploratory conversations with Verizon, Google, Scholastic, Nickelodeon and the Boston public television station WGBH, among others, about collaborations.

The New York Times

SLAP SHOTS General Manager GLEN SATHER of the Rangers said that he has had had "exploratory conversations" with TOM BARRASSO, the unemployed veteran goaltender...

The New York Times - Sports

Darroch also said that the company has conducted exploratory conversations with culture secretary Jeremy Hunt over his plans to develop local TV services.

The Guardian

One day, after a few exploratory conversations, he leaned across a table at the Coffee Connection and asked the 27-year-old Cramer to manage half a million dollars.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When initiating a project or collaboration, use "exploratory conversation" to set a tone of open-mindedness and encourage the sharing of diverse ideas.

Common error

While "exploratory conversation" is widely applicable, consider using more formal alternatives like "preliminary discussion" or "initial consultation" in highly professional settings to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploratory conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "exploratory" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes a specific type of conversation aimed at exploring possibilities or gathering initial information. Ludwig confirms the acceptability of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exploratory conversation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe an initial discussion focused on investigating possibilities and gathering information. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news reports to business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional or academic environments to ensure the appropriate level of formality. When employing this phrase, aim to convey a sense of open-mindedness and collaboration in the early stages of a project or decision-making process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploring dialogue

Implies a mutual journey of discovery through conversation.

preliminary discussion

Focuses on the conversation being at an initial stage.

initial consultation

Highlights the aspect of seeking advice or information in the first meeting.

introductory dialogue

Emphasizes the beginning nature of the exchange.

investigative talk

Stresses the probing and inquiring nature of the conversation.

probing conversation

Focuses on the in-depth nature of the conversation.

fact-finding discussion

Highlights the goal of discovering facts and information.

scoping discussion

Emphasizes the process of defining the scope of a project or problem.

early-stage communication

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the interaction.

tentative exchange

Highlights the provisional and uncertain nature of the communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "exploratory conversation" to describe an initial discussion to discover new ideas. For example, "We had an exploratory conversation about potential marketing strategies".

What's a good alternative to "exploratory conversation"?

Alternatives include "preliminary discussion", "initial consultation", or "introductory dialogue", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "exploratory conversation" in a formal setting?

While acceptable, consider alternatives like "preliminary discussion" or "scoping discussion" for a more professional tone.

What is the purpose of having an "exploratory conversation"?

The purpose of an "exploratory conversation" is to investigate possibilities, share ideas, and gather information without committing to a specific course of action.