halting conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "halting conversation" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a conversation that has stopped or become awkward or hesitant. You can use it when describing a conversation that has been interrupted or has come to a sudden stop due to a change in topic or an uncomfortable situation. Example: The dinner party was going smoothly until John brought up politics, causing a halting conversation and awkward tension among the guests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She and Keyuk engaged in a halting conversation about food, farming, and family heritage.

The New Yorker

During my first shift, I witnessed a halting conversation between a counsellor and a young girl with body dysmorphia.

The New Yorker

He was quieter, shyer, and even more awkward this hot morning, knowing as well himself that the moment had arrived, even before she turned to him, midway through a ridiculous halting conversation about dragon-flies peculiar to the vicinity, and kissed him so hard and viciously she might have drawn blood.

The New Yorker

One of Potter's most brilliant ploys for halting conversation was to announce, "I have had 140 days of illness in my life".

Forbes

There was no acknowledgment, throughout our halting conversation, of the strange location of our encounter or of the uses to which it was almost exclusively put, so that speaking to him I felt an anxiety made up of equal parts desire and unease at the mystery of his presence and purpose.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The static pacing that the director, Jade King Carroll, tolerates may reflect the depiction of halting conversations, but when Ms. Giles's charged performance follows it, "Spit" seems to have lacked any urgency at all.

The New York Times

In the course of his naval career, he traveled widely through the United States and Europe, learning enough English -- mostly during a two-year stint at Harvard soon after World War I -- to read books and newspapers and carry on halting conversations.

The New York Times

Nobody wants a repeat of October 28, the mere mention of which elicits thousand-yard stares and halting conversations.

Vice

If I am driving, I need to turn off the radio and halt conversation in any difficult passage.

The New York Times

"That's near Nebraska, isn't it?" Omaha is one of those ultimate flyover places, an urban Podunk so vaguely situated in coastal Americans' mental maps that the mere mention of it can actually halt conversation.

The New York Times - Travel

That can halt conversations, agitate us when we're trying to relax, and keep us from noticing the beauty of the world around us at that very moment.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "halting conversation" to describe dialogues where participants struggle to find words or express themselves fluently, creating a sense of awkwardness or tension.

Common error

Avoid using "halting conversation" when you mean simply ending a conversation. "Halting" implies a struggling or awkward exchange, not just a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "halting conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "halting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conversation". It describes the manner in which the conversation is conducted. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and shows examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "halting conversation" accurately describes a conversation marked by hesitations and awkwardness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and primarily used in news and media contexts. While not very common, it effectively conveys a sense of difficulty in communication. To enhance your writing, consider using it when describing dialogues where participants struggle to express themselves fluently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awkward exchange

Focuses on the uncomfortable nature of the conversation.

stilted dialogue

Highlights the unnatural and forced quality of the conversation.

hesitant discussion

Emphasizes the uncertainty and reluctance in the conversation.

labored communication

Stresses the effort and difficulty involved in maintaining the conversation.

difficult exchange

Highlights the problematic nature of the conversation.

interrupted conversation

Focuses on the disruption of the conversation.

stumbling discourse

Emphasizes the awkward and uncoordinated nature of the discussion.

broken exchange

Emphasizes the lack of continuity during the interaction.

abruptly ended talk

Highlights a sudden stop to the conversation.

stuttering conversation

Focuses on the repetitive and uneven aspect of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I describe a "halting conversation" in simpler terms?

You can use terms like "awkward exchange", "stilted dialogue", or "hesitant discussion" to convey a similar meaning.

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

It means the conversation is marked by pauses, hesitations, and difficulty in finding the right words, often leading to an uncomfortable or strained interaction.

Is "halting conversation" a formal or informal expression?

"Halting conversation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and style of writing. However, in more formal contexts consider using "stilted dialogue".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "halting conversation"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the difficulty and awkwardness of a conversation, perhaps due to nervousness, disagreement, or language barriers.