had a positive conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a positive conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a discussion that was constructive, pleasant, or beneficial in nature. Example: "After our meeting, I felt we had a positive conversation that helped clarify our goals moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Had a positive conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

Horwits said he had a positive conversation with Mets General Manager Steve Phillips yesterday and that "most of the major hurdles" in the negotiations had been cleared.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms Webster - who in an interview earlier this year revealed she had been sexually assaulted as a teenager - said she had had a "positive" conversation with the chairman of the Sheffield United before resigning.

BBC

Rauner, who previously said he had a "positive" conversation with Trump, told NBC 5 that, he is "focused on Illinois".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Can you have a positive conversation about drugs with your kids while still explaining the risks involved?

The Guardian - Opinion

Chief executive Leeann Dempster said: "We look forward to having a positive conversation with BuyHibs so that we can understand their proposals".

BBC

Have a positive conversation with your loved one before you drift off.

WikiHow

At a rally on Friday night in Eugene, Oregon, Trump said he and Ryan had had a positive phone conversation three weeks ago but that "all of a sudden, he wants to be cute".

The Guardian

Jean-David Levitte, the French ambassador to the United States, said today that Mr. Bush and Mr. Chirac had a "positive, relaxed" 10-minute phone conversation earlier this month in preparation for Évian, and that they "want to go beyond the bitterness of the past".

The New York Times

Furthermore, conversations with administrative and clinical staff had a positive influence on the attitudes of patients and their families toward the outcome.

BMC Health Services Research

First, a conversation with a graduate provides the chance to ask questions of someone who has been there, had a positive experience and now has a successful career.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conversation, specify the topic or outcome to provide more context and demonstrate the conversation's value. For instance, instead of "We "had a positive conversation"", try "We "had a positive conversation" about the new marketing strategy, leading to a consensus on the next steps."

Common error

Avoid using ""had a positive conversation"" as a generic filler. Provide details about what made the conversation positive. Simply stating that a conversation was positive lacks substance; highlight specific achievements or insights gained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a positive conversation" functions as a description of an interaction, indicating the exchange was favorable or beneficial. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in English, describing a discussion that was constructive, pleasant, or beneficial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a positive conversation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a beneficial and constructive exchange. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's important to use it with detail and avoid vague positivity. Alternatives like "engaged in a constructive dialogue" or "had a fruitful discussion" can add nuance. By providing context and specifying the positive aspects, you can make the phrase more impactful and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in a constructive dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" and emphasizes the constructive aspect of the interaction.

had a fruitful discussion

Substitutes "conversation" with "discussion" and highlights the beneficial outcome of the exchange.

shared a productive exchange

Focuses on the efficiency and positive results derived from the interaction.

enjoyed a pleasant chat

Highlights the agreeable and enjoyable aspect of the conversation.

reached a mutual understanding

Emphasizes the achievement of agreement and comprehension between parties.

held an encouraging discussion

Replaces "positive" with "encouraging" to focus on the uplifting nature of the conversation.

had a collaborative talk

Highlights the cooperative aspect of the conversation.

experienced a beneficial interaction

Shifts the focus to the positive impact of the interaction itself.

conversed agreeably

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the agreeable manner of the conversation.

communicated effectively

Focuses on the successful transmission and reception of information during the interaction.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "positive conversation"?

Having a "positive conversation" typically means the discussion was constructive, agreeable, and beneficial, leading to a favorable outcome or mutual understanding.

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

You can use alternatives like "engaged in a constructive dialogue", "had a fruitful discussion", or "shared a productive exchange" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify that a conversation was "positive"?

Not always. If the positive nature is implied by the context or the outcome, it might be redundant. However, explicitly stating it can emphasize the constructive or beneficial nature of the discussion, especially when contrasting it with potentially negative interactions.

How do you ensure a conversation remains "positive"?

To maintain a "positive" conversation, focus on active listening, respectful communication, finding common ground, and addressing concerns constructively. Avoiding accusatory language and promoting open dialogue are also key.