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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
external dialogue
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "external dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to conversations or exchanges that occur outside of a character's internal thoughts, often in the context of literature or storytelling. Example: "The author skillfully crafted the external dialogue between the characters, revealing their conflicting emotions and motivations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
The Initiative was developed as a result of approximately seven years of internal and external dialogue.
This process is made possible by an internal and an external dialogue where various I-positions (voices within the self) speak and where metaphors and analogies concretely facilitate meaning making.
Anyone preoccupied with work or worried about the new baby sitter might just as well stay home, because Ron McLarty, the playwright, has chosen an unusual format that calls on two actors to portray several characters while also shifting between internal and external dialogue.
News & Media
Most obviously, the News Feed could learn to mimic our external dialogue, showing us posts with similar content to what we spread.
News & Media
In today's world, being a business leader means being constantly "in the conversation," whether that's internal dialogue with your team or external dialogue on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
News & Media
Developmentally, inner speech has been proposed to reflect the internalisation of external dialogue and self-directed private speech, facilitating higher order cognitive skills (Vygotsky, 1987).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
We have both internal and external dialogues that we write and replay.
News & Media
Hence, this study proposes five essential dimensions that represent LC: openness and experimentation, risk taking, interaction with the external environment, dialogue and teamwork, and participative decision making.
Science
But this study didn't amount to much; more significantly than the number of pages Esther left behind — not many — was the external and internal dialogue she sputtered while smoking and drinking in New York, in Mexico, in Paris, and so on, where women gathered to be themselves, and to talk about themselves, and each other.
News & Media
As the name implies, this type of listening places a musical example in dialogue with external elements generic conventions, other musical pieces, artwork, texts, objects, etc. Teaching with music does not preclude using texts or visuals as well.
Academia
Great art is both an external object and internal dialogue.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "external dialogue", ensure the context clearly differentiates it from internal monologue or self-reflection. This distinction is crucial for clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "external dialogue" when referring to a character's thoughts or internal conversations. External dialogue strictly involves communication between two or more parties.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "external dialogue" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of communication, contrasting it with internal thought processes. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing interactions in various contexts, from business leadership to theatrical performances.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Academia
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "external dialogue" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, referring to conversations or exchanges happening outside of internal thoughts. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used in various contexts, including academia, news, and business. While not extremely common, it is a reliable way to differentiate between internal reflection and outward communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the distinction from internal thought processes to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases like "public discourse" or "interpersonal communication" can also be employed depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
dialogue with others
Directly replaces "external" with "others", emphasizing the participants.
external communication
Focuses on the act of conveying information or ideas to an external audience or recipient.
outward communication
Focuses on the direction of the communication, moving from within to the outside.
interpersonal communication
Highlights the exchange between people, focusing on the communicative aspect.
public discourse
Emphasizes the broader societal conversation, rather than individual exchanges.
public conversation
Similar to public discourse, but implies a less formal setting.
communal exchange
Stresses the sharing and reciprocity involved in the interaction.
external consultation
Emphasizes seeking advice or opinions from outside sources.
interactions with the outside world
Puts stress on the environment where a communicative action occurs.
inter-organizational communication
Specifies the setting in communication between 2 or more organizations.
FAQs
How can I use "external dialogue" in a sentence?
You can use "external dialogue" to describe conversations between characters in a story, discussions between stakeholders in a business setting, or any form of communication with the "outside world".
What's the difference between "external dialogue" and internal monologue?
"External dialogue" refers to conversations between two or more people, while internal monologue refers to a character's thoughts and inner voice.
What can I say instead of "external dialogue"?
Depending on the context, alternatives include "public discourse", "interpersonal communication", or "outward communication".
In what contexts is "external dialogue" most appropriate?
"External dialogue" is suitable in academic discussions, business reports, and news articles when describing interactions and communications between entities.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested