foster a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"foster a dialogue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to creating or participating in a discussion about a certain topic or issue. For example, "The school holds a monthly meeting to foster a dialogue between teachers and parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"This is an effort to foster a dialogue, to talk more about the nuances of what makes this city great," he adds.

The New York Times

The coalition has worked closely with the town and its Open Space Study Committee to help foster a dialogue among residents, community groups and town government.

The New York Times

Cesar Gaviria, the secretary general of the O.A.S., said that while the international community was willing to help foster a dialogue, the Haitian government needs to show its willingness to participate.

The New York Times

"It's consistent with our people-to-people exchanges, with our desire to foster a dialogue between the United States and Iranian people," a spokesman for the State Department, Richard Boucher, said today.

The New York Times

But we urge media outlets publishing this story to bear in mind that the long-standing relations and ties of friendship shared between the United Kingdom and Argentina afford us an opportunity to foster a dialogue of mutual respect between our peoples and nations.

Independent

It is also a day to foster a dialogue on sustainable solutions to ending hunger.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Architect Cloepfil himself says that "it is essential that 2 Columbus Circle engage its surroundings... therefore the building is permeable, fostering a dialogue between the interior of the museum and its urban environment".

The New York Times

Though it will no doubt face scrutiny as it bounces around Albany, the mayor's plan has already accomplished a crucial goal: fostering a dialogue about what pre kindergarten should--and can--be.

Huffington Post

Under the new rules, company-sponsored Web forums may foster a meaningful dialogue among investors.

The New York Times

Second, Kazakhstan could use its relationships with southern neighbors to foster a deeper dialogue with the O.S.C.E.

The New York Times

Mr. Nieker wrote that the foundation trips reflect "a long-term commitment to foster a productive dialogue between education leaders from the United States and some of the world's best-performing and most improving school systems".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foster a dialogue" when you want to emphasize creating an environment that encourages open and constructive communication, especially when differing viewpoints are involved. It's more than just talking; it's about nurturing an exchange.

Common error

While "foster a dialogue" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "start a conversation" or "talk about it" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foster a dialogue" is as a verb phrase. It describes the action of encouraging or nurturing a discussion or exchange of ideas. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster a dialogue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that means to encourage or promote discussion and exchange of ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal situations. Consider alternatives like "encourage discussion" or "promote communication" for subtle differences in meaning. The goal is to promote understanding and build relationships through open and constructive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encourage discussion

Focuses more on stimulating conversation, less on the formal structure of a dialogue.

promote communication

Highlights the act of making communication more widespread or effective.

facilitate exchange

Emphasizes the reciprocal sharing of information or ideas.

initiate discourse

Formal and academic, emphasizing structured communication.

cultivate understanding

Implies a gradual process of developing mutual comprehension.

stimulate debate

Focuses specifically on encouraging argumentative discussion.

establish rapport

Focuses on building a positive relationship to enable better communication.

instigate conversation

Suggests a more active and deliberate starting of a conversation.

spark interaction

Emphasizes the initiation of any kind of interaction, not just dialogue.

develop a connection

Focuses on the establishment of the communication channel between different parties.

FAQs

How can I use "foster a dialogue" in a sentence?

You can use "foster a dialogue" to describe efforts to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas. For instance, "The organization aims to foster a dialogue between different cultures".

What are some alternatives to "foster a dialogue"?

Alternatives include "encourage discussion", "promote communication", or "facilitate exchange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foster a dialogue" formal or informal?

"Foster a dialogue" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. Simpler terms may be more appropriate for very casual settings.

What's the difference between "foster a dialogue" and "have a conversation"?

"Foster a dialogue" implies creating or promoting a discussion, especially on important or complex issues. "Have a conversation" is a more general term for any exchange of words.