general conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to informal discussions or dialogues that are not focused on a specific topic or agenda. Example: "During our meeting, we took some time for general conversation to help everyone feel more comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was general conversation.

The New Yorker

"It's not a topic of general conversation".

The New York Times

"By 2014, it came up in general conversation".

Independent

Duke and Ohio State have gone from infallible to chumphood in the general conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

He is a bad listener in general conversation and a good one when acting.

The New Yorker

And in its own way, it fit in with the more general conversation.

The New York Times

Does a movie gain in quality from being a part of what critics call the national or general conversation?

The New Yorker

The general conversation sought its rhythm, and David, the returned prodigal, for a time was assigned the lead voice.

The New Yorker

But something about me must have revealed that I was awake, for a woman's voice, breaking off from the general conversation, said, "Oh, look, look".

The New Yorker

He was behaving quite rationally, although he did say, 'Last night my mother saw her first spaceship', which I just put down to general conversation".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

General Conversation How are you?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "general conversation" to indicate a relaxed and unstructured discussion, especially when introducing a new topic or getting to know someone. It's a good way to set a casual and welcoming tone.

Common error

Avoid using "general conversation" in formal settings such as business meetings or academic presentations, where a more structured or focused dialogue is expected. Instead, use terms like "brief discussion" or "preliminary remarks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to describe a type of informal communication. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in contexts ranging from everyday interactions to preliminary discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general conversation" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to informal, unstructured communication. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While appropriate for casual settings, it may be too informal for formal academic or business writing. Related phrases include "casual chat" and "small talk", offering alternative ways to describe similar interactions. Use "general conversation" to create a welcoming atmosphere, but be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small talk

Refers to polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters.

casual chat

Replaces "conversation" with a more informal term, emphasizing the relaxed nature of the exchange.

informal discussion

Highlights the lack of structure and specific agenda in the conversation.

friendly talk

Emphasizes the amicable and personal nature of the conversation.

light banter

Suggests a playful and humorous tone in the conversation.

casual exchange

Focuses on the reciprocal nature of the communication, implying a give-and-take of ideas.

everyday discourse

Highlights how the topic is about commonplace subjects.

surface conversation

Emphasizes that the conversation is not delving deeply into subjects.

routine dialogue

Indicates the conversation is standard, expected, and ordinary.

passing remarks

Focuses on the communication's fleeting and unmemorable essence.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "general conversation"?

"General conversation" refers to an informal exchange of words without a specific agenda or focus. It typically involves light topics and aims to create a comfortable atmosphere.

What can I say instead of "general conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "casual chat", "informal discussion", or "small talk" depending on the context.

Is "general conversation" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "general conversation" may sound too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "preliminary discussion" or "introductory remarks".

How does "general conversation" differ from a structured meeting?

A "general conversation" lacks a specific agenda and is more relaxed, while a structured meeting has defined objectives, planned topics, and often a designated leader.