fleeting dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or exchange of words that is brief or momentary in nature. Example: "Their fleeting dialogue left a lasting impression on her, even though it was just a few words exchanged in passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Apart from some fleeting dialogue that covers Bundy's unhappy childhood -- he grew up believing that his mother was his sister -- Mr. Bright doesn't waste too much time on psychological explanations, or even on simple curiosity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This means living as full and varied a life as possible, to have my antennae out all the time. 2 Ted Hughes gave me this advice and it works wonders: record moments, fleeting impressions, overheard dialogue, your own sadnesses and bewilderments and joys.

The Guardian - Books

Similarly, the creole animating the novel's dialogue and the often fleeting appearances of black and Indian characters seem to be incorporated at times less to illuminate than to add an auditory texture to the fictional world.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Price's fleeting images engage in a lively dialogue with their neighbors: the similarly shape-shifting images in a suite of 44 monotypes and one terrific painting by Nicole Eisenman; the shimmering, iridescent abstract installations — one vertical, one horizontal — of Kate Levant and Sam Lewitt.

The New York Times - Arts

The seemingly improvised dialogue and unblocked staging lends emotional weight to their fleeting glances and sudden gestures, and such moments as a brief, inspired, tender streetside dance blossom exquisitely in real time.

The New Yorker

The seemingly improvised dialogue and unblocked staging lend emotional weight to their fleeting glances and sudden gestures, and such moments as a brief, inspired, tender streetside dance blossom exquisitely in real time.

The New Yorker

The conversation turns sour for only a few fleeting moments before sunny domesticity returns in the form of Beethoven's playful Haydnesque dialogue and romps.

The New York Times - Arts

The episode's dialogue becomes disorienting, almost Beckettian in its absurdity, but after much wrangling and misunderstanding Picard succeeds in establishing a fleeting bond.

The New Yorker

Age: Fleeting.

The Guardian

Too fleeting!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And while Ms. Parker and Ms. Clark have a lovely, if fleeting, scene of sisterly solicitude in the second act, the friction between the brothers inspires some of Mr. White's least felicitous dialogue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting dialogue" to emphasize the brevity and transient nature of a conversation, particularly when its impact is disproportionate to its length.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting dialogue" when describing conversations that are integral to the plot or character development. The phrase is best suited for brief, almost incidental exchanges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting dialogue" functions as an adjectival modifier combined with a noun. The adjective "fleeting" modifies the noun "dialogue", indicating that the dialogue is brief, passing, or not lasting long. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to describe short conversations that have a significant impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting dialogue" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a brief or momentary conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aptly captures exchanges that are short in duration but potentially significant in impact. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize the transient nature of the dialogue, making it a powerful tool for highlighting key moments in writing. While "fleeting dialogue" is a valid descriptor, considering alternatives like "brief exchange" may offer nuanced variations for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient dialogue

Similar to "fleeting dialogue" but uses a different adjective to convey brevity.

brief exchange

Focuses on the conciseness of the conversation.

ephemeral conversation

Emphasizes the temporary and almost dreamlike quality of the dialogue.

momentary conversation

Highlights the short duration of the interaction.

brief verbal interaction

A more formal way to describe a short conversation.

passing remark

Emphasizes the casual and transient nature of the spoken words.

cursory exchange

Highlights the superficial nature of the interaction.

quick chat

Suggests an informal and brief discussion.

hasty communication

Suggests the dialogue was rushed or hurried.

short discourse

Implies a more formal but still brief exchange of ideas.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "fleeting dialogue" in my writing?

Use "fleeting dialogue" to highlight brief exchanges that nonetheless have a significant impact on the characters or plot. It's especially effective when the brevity contrasts with the importance of the information conveyed.

What are some alternatives to "fleeting dialogue"?

You can use alternatives like "brief exchange", "momentary conversation", or "passing remark" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fleeting dialogue" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "fleeting dialogue" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in literary analysis or journalistic contexts where precise language is valued. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "fleeting dialogue" and "transient dialogue"?

While "fleeting dialogue" and "transient dialogue" are very similar, "fleeting" suggests something that disappears quickly, while "transient" emphasizes the temporary nature of the interaction. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.