having a conversation about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a conversation about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or subject matter in a dialogue or discussion format. Example: "We were having a conversation about the impact of climate change on our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said that even having a conversation about forced deportation of millions of law-abiding people "sends a powerful signal.

The Guardian

"My personal view is, yes it's worth having a conversation about," he told the US television channel CBS.

BBC

They are "having a conversation" about "an issue".

Independent

We're having a conversation about whether this would work.

The New Yorker

Neither can recall having a conversation about their burgeoning relationship.

The New York Times

He doesn't remember having a conversation about body image.

The Guardian

Of course Snowden broke laws — that's why we're even having a conversation about amnesty.

The New Yorker

"There has been some progress on having a conversation about long-term issues," he said.

The New York Times

And that's a reality that we're not having a conversation about".

The New York Times

It's hard to imagine having a conversation about the weather with any of them.

The Guardian - Books

"This is as appropriate as having a conversation about smoking," he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a conversation about" when you want to emphasize the interactive and informal nature of a discussion. It suggests a more relaxed and open exchange of ideas compared to more formal terms like "discussing".

Common error

While "having a conversation about" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "discussing" or "addressing" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a conversation about" functions as a verbal phrase introducing the topic or subject of a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It sets the stage for an exchange of ideas related to the topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a conversation about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a topic of discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable expression in English. While commonly found in news and media contexts, it can also appear in formal business settings, though it may be considered slightly informal for highly academic or scientific writing. For increased formality, consider alternatives like "discussing" or "addressing". This analysis provides a complete guide to understanding and effectively using this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking about

This is a very common and general alternative, suitable for most contexts.

discussing

This is a more concise and direct alternative, focusing on the act of discussing.

on the subject of

This alternative focuses on the topic being discussed.

in conversation regarding

A more formal and slightly indirect way of expressing the same idea.

addressing the issue of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the importance or problematic nature of the topic.

exploring the topic of

This implies a more investigative or in-depth discussion.

deliberating on

This suggests a more formal and thoughtful discussion, often involving careful consideration.

broaching the subject of

This alternative emphasizes the act of introducing a topic, especially one that might be sensitive or difficult.

considering

This suggests a thoughtful, in-depth review of a particular subject.

engaging in dialogue about

This suggests a more formal and structured conversation, often with a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "having a conversation about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "discussing", "addressing", or "deliberating on". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

Is it always appropriate to use "having a conversation about" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "having a conversation about" might be too informal for certain academic contexts. Assess the overall tone of your paper and opt for more formal alternatives if necessary, like "exploring the topic of".

What's the difference between "talking about" and "having a conversation about"?

Talking about is a more general term, while "having a conversation about" implies a more interactive exchange between two or more people. The latter suggests a dialogue rather than a monologue.

When should I use "broaching the subject of" instead of "having a conversation about"?

Use "broaching the subject of" when you are introducing a topic that might be sensitive, difficult, or previously avoided. It suggests a careful and deliberate approach to initiating the discussion.