had a conversation about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a conversation about" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to discussing a specific topic with someone. Example: "We had a conversation about the upcoming project deadlines." Alternative expressions include "discussed" and "talked about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We had a conversation about just following orders," he said.

The New Yorker

Nearly half have never had a conversation about Jesus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Years ago, Ron and Ruth had a conversation about death.

The New York Times

At one point they had a conversation about money.

The New York Times

We had a conversation about my new job.

The New York Times

"I've had a conversation about this with Mike" — that would be Mike Nichols — "and with Tom Stoppard.

The New York Times

Me and Paddy had a conversation about road rage, which I admit I suffer from.

The Guardian - Film

We'd once had a conversation about a meeting place for the Apocalypse.

The New Yorker

I pulled my husband away from his work, and we had a conversation about what kind of trees we wanted.

The New Yorker

"I haven't had a conversation about this or that, it's always a conversation about how do we get better.

The New York Times - Sports

Helen never had a conversation about her sexual orientation with Michele and knew that Michele's evangelical Christianity was deeply felt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In news reporting or narrative writing, this phrase is excellent for introducing quotes or providing context for a meeting between two public figures.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "of" or "with" to introduce the topic, as in "had a conversation of the budget". While you have a conversation with a person, you always have a conversation about or regarding a topic. Ensure you distinguish between the person you are talking to and the subject you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a conversation about" acts as a past tense complex verb phrase. It consists of the light verb "had", the noun "conversation", and the preposition "about". According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to report a completed verbal interaction between two or more parties regarding a specific subject matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic Papers

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a conversation about" is a highly reliable and versatile expression in the English language. With over 58 examples found in the Ludwig database, it is clear that the phrase is a staple in quality writing, particularly in journalism and narrative reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it as a more descriptive alternative to simple verbs like "discussed". It effectively highlights the human element of an interaction. Whether you are writing a news article for The Guardian or a professional email, this phrase provides a clear and natural way to describe a verbal exchange. While ""discussed"" is a faster alternative, the original phrase remains the preferred choice for writers looking to add flow and context to their sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussed

A more concise and formal alternative suitable for academic or professional reports.

spoke about

Slightly less formal and emphasizes the act of speaking rather than the exchange itself.

talked about

A common, everyday alternative that is more natural in casual speech.

exchanged views on

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the dialogue and the sharing of different perspectives.

conferred on

Suggests a formal consultation or a meeting to exchange ideas or seek advice.

chatted about

A much more informal version, implying a lighthearted or casual conversation.

debated

Indicates a discussion where opposing viewpoints were presented or argued.

deliberated over

Implies a deep or careful discussion aimed at reaching a decision.

went over

Often used when reviewing details or examining a specific plan or set of information.

touched upon

Suggests the topic was mentioned briefly rather than explored in depth.

FAQs

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

You can use more direct verbs like ""discussed"", "spoke about", or "talked about" depending on the formality of your writing.

Is "had a conversation about" too informal for business writing?

No, it is perfectly acceptable in business contexts, though ""discussed"" is often preferred in official minutes or project summaries for the sake of brevity.

What is the difference between "had a conversation about" and "discussed"?

While both mean to talk about a topic, "had a conversation about" emphasizes the act of dialogue and the interpersonal connection, whereas ""discussed"" is more task-oriented and clinical.

Can I say "had a conversation regarding"?

Yes, using "had a conversation regarding" is a slightly more formal variation that functions exactly the same way as the original phrase.