had a constructive conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a constructive conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a discussion that was productive and led to positive outcomes or insights. Example: "After several hours of discussion, we finally had a constructive conversation about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Pentagon said Secretary of Defence Ash Carter had a "constructive conversation" with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoygu.

Independent

When I was in the US, I had a constructive conversation with them, accepting some things and arguing with others.

The Guardian - Opinion

On 5 August, the European Commission said border checks must "fully respect EU law and remain proportionate", and two days later, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he'd had a "constructive" conversation with his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy about the row.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We have a constructive conversation, and this has not gotten in the way," he said.

The New York Times

"If people genuinely wanted to have a constructive conversation, then that would be a different thing".

The New York Times - Health

He concludes: "Save those conversations for another time when you can have a constructive conversation about what needs to change to improve the process".

Independent

Last Tuesday, he said he had "bent over backwards to say to the Islamic Republic of Iran that we are willing to have a constructive conversation" about issues between the two countries.

The New York Times

Do you see a time when you and the new Saudi foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, will sit down and have a constructive conversation about coöperation and mutual interests in the region?

The New Yorker

"We have bent over backwards to say to the Islamic Republic of Iran that we are willing to have a constructive conversation about how they can align themselves with international norms and rules and re-enter as full members of the international community," President Obama said in a news conference on Tuesday.

The New York Times

She said: "I want to make sure we take the opportunity to have a constructive conversation about the country and taking Labour forward; we had a huge democratic debate in this country over the last few months and we have to continue that debate.

The Guardian

Over many customer interactions, I have learned that to have a constructive conversation about cloud I have to start by breaking down what it means.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting up the conversation avoid accusatory or combative language. The goal is to foster an atmosphere of positive intention.

Common error

While "had a constructive conversation" is useful, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using alternatives like "engaged in a productive discussion" or "reached a mutual understanding" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a constructive conversation" functions as a descriptor of an event, specifically a conversation. It indicates that the conversation was beneficial and productive. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing diplomatic discussions and internal team communications. It aligns with the Ludwig AI analysis showing correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a constructive conversation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a productive and positive discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and business. To enhance your writing, remember to avoid overusing the phrase and consider alternatives like "engaged in a fruitful dialogue" or "held a productive discussion". These tips will help you effectively convey the positive nature of an exchange while maintaining clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in a fruitful dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" and "constructive" with "fruitful", emphasizing a positive outcome.

held a productive discussion

Substitutes "conversation" with "discussion" and "constructive" with "productive", highlighting the effectiveness of the exchange.

had a valuable exchange

Replaces "constructive conversation" with "valuable exchange", focusing on the worth of the interaction.

participated in a meaningful discussion

Highlights the depth and significance of the conversation.

shared beneficial insights

Shifts the focus to the positive outcomes and shared understanding achieved.

communicated effectively

Emphasizes the clarity and success of the communication process.

reached a mutual understanding

Focuses on the agreement and comprehension achieved through conversation.

had a positive interaction

Generalizes the conversation to a broader positive interaction.

collaborated effectively

Highlights the collaborative aspect and successful teamwork during the conversation.

exchanged ideas constructively

Emphasizes the active sharing and building upon ideas in a positive manner.

FAQs

What does "had a constructive conversation" mean?

It means that the conversation was productive, positive, and resulted in a beneficial outcome or understanding. It implies that the participants engaged in a helpful and meaningful exchange of ideas.

What can I say instead of "had a constructive conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "engaged in a fruitful dialogue", "held a productive discussion", or "reached a mutual understanding" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "had a constructive conversation" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or professional contexts, as it conveys a sense of progress and positive communication. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

How can I make a conversation more constructive?

Focus on active listening, ask clarifying questions, express your points clearly and respectfully, and aim for mutual understanding. Avoid accusatory language and instead focus on collaborative problem-solving.