foster conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

'foster conversation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe promoting or encouraging dialogue between two or more people. For example, "The goal of the seminar was to foster conversation about some of the complex issues facing our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Instead of being lined up next to one another, the stations face each other, which helps foster conversation.

The New York Times

The RightsNews Blog is intended to foster conversation and dialogue about developments and research in the human rights field.

Columbia University

With this challenge in mind, we set out over the last few years to both foster conversation about the accelerator model, and help entrepreneurs gain visibility into the strengths of individual programs.

Harvard Business Review

Most of the applications currently on the market are designed to foster conversation, not communicate information in a personalized way.

Forbes

The group will also feature dialogues, gatherings, and presentations to foster conversation related to interdisciplinary health issues.

Duke University

To foster conversation and product evangelism in this space, Lucky Earth needs to commit to keeping its social media presence and messaging up to date and relevant.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

To foster conversations between content producers and audiences.

The Guardian

The animal 'fights' of Mammal March Madness foster conversations about wildlife biology.

Nature

Foster conversations so that people can understand the vision and what it means for them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Teaching in Trying Times seeks to foster conversations around these pressing questions.

Columbia University

To honor his legacy and to foster conversations that span substantive domains, INCITE has launched the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Lecture Series.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "foster conversation", consider the environment and the participants' backgrounds. Creating a safe and inclusive space is crucial for encouraging open and honest exchanges.

Common error

Avoid dominating the discussion when attempting to "foster conversation". Instead, focus on asking open-ended questions and actively listening to others' perspectives to ensure a balanced and engaging exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster conversation" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "foster" acts as a transitive verb and "conversation" serves as its direct object. It describes the act of encouraging or promoting dialogue, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster conversation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the act of encouraging dialogue and interaction. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and business contexts. While synonyms like "promote dialogue" and "encourage discussion" exist, "foster conversation" maintains a balanced tone suitable for a wide range of audiences. When using this phrase, remember to create an inclusive environment and avoid dominating the discussion to ensure a fruitful exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promote dialogue

Focuses on a more structured and formal exchange.

encourage discussion

Suggests stimulating a more general exchange of views.

stimulate communication

Emphasizes the act of conveying information and ideas.

cultivate exchange

Implies a more nurturing and gradual development of interaction.

facilitate interaction

Highlights making the process of interaction easier.

spark debate

Suggests initiating a more contentious exchange.

instigate dialogue

Implies a more active and intentional initiation of conversation.

nurture communication

Conveys a sense of care and support in developing communication.

develop rapport

Focuses on building a connection and understanding between individuals.

build bridges

Emphasizes connecting people or groups who may have differences.

FAQs

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

You can use "foster conversation" to describe actions that encourage dialogue, such as, "The workshop was designed to "foster conversation" among participants about their experiences."

What can I say instead of "foster conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "promote dialogue", "encourage discussion", or "stimulate communication" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "foster conversation" and "facilitate conversation"?

"Foster conversation" implies nurturing and encouraging dialogue, while "facilitate conversation" focuses on making the conversation easier and more efficient. The former suggests a more active role in promoting dialogue, while the latter is more about removing obstacles.

Is "foster discussion" the same as "foster conversation"?

While similar, "foster discussion" often implies a more formal and structured exchange of ideas, whereas ""foster conversation"" can refer to a more informal and free-flowing exchange.