had a conversation with

USAGE SUMMARY

"had a conversation with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about two people talking about a particular topic. For example: "Alice had a conversation with Bob about the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I never had a conversation with him".

The New York Times - Food

"I had a conversation with Juliet Morris.

The Guardian

I had a conversation with my banker.

The New York Times

"I've never had a conversation with him.

The New York Times - Sports

I've literally not had a conversation with a living soul.

Independent

He had a conversation with his caddie, Joe LaCava.

The Washington Post

After we spoke, Lindsay had a conversation with her son.

The Washington Post

I had a conversation with a radiologist colleague recently.

Harvard Business Review

*** Last week I had a conversation with Kirsty Franks.

The Guardian

"I had a conversation with the chief constable.

The Guardian

"He had a conversation with Feagles," Wolff said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to add an element of suspense, you can replace "had a conversation with" with similar sentences, such as "spoke with", or "talked to", and reveal the topic later in the paragraph. This makes the reader eager to know the subject.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when describing who initiated the conversation. Instead of saying "A conversation was had with him", opt for the active voice: "I "spoke with" him" or "We "had a conversation with" him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a conversation with" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an interaction or exchange between two or more parties. It signifies the act of discussing or communicating with someone, as Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had a conversation with" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an exchange between individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as academic contexts, indicating its appropriateness for both neutral and formal settings. When aiming for more casual or formal language, consider alternatives such as "talked to" or "conferred with", respectively. Remember to maintain an active voice for clarity, and ensure that the context aligns with the level of formality you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoke with

Emphasizes the act of speaking, focusing on the verbal exchange.

talked to

A more casual and general way of saying "had a conversation with".

chatted with

Suggests a friendly and informal conversation.

discussed with

Highlights the exchange of ideas and opinions on a particular topic.

conferred with

Implies a formal and often professional consultation.

consulted with

Similar to 'conferred with', but can also suggest seeking advice.

engaged in dialogue with

Emphasizes a two-way exchange of ideas and perspectives.

held discussions with

A more formal and structured way of saying "had a conversation with".

exchanged words with

Focuses on the act of exchanging communication, whether brief or extensive.

communicated with

A broad term for any form of communication, not necessarily face-to-face.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "had a conversation with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "conferred with" or "consulted with". These options imply a more structured or professional discussion.

How can I make "had a conversation with" sound more casual?

To make the phrase more casual, you could use "talked to" or "chatted with". These alternatives suggest a less formal and more relaxed interaction.

What's the difference between "had a conversation with" and "discussed with"?

While both phrases involve talking, "had a conversation with" is a general term, whereas "discussed with" implies a focused exchange of ideas and opinions on a specific topic.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I had a conversation to him" instead of "I had a conversation with him"?

No, "I had a conversation to him" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "with", so the proper phrasing is "I "had a conversation with" him".