held a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an instance where two or more people engaged in dialogue or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, we held a conversation about the project's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Americans held a conversation when they debated and voted on gay marriage issues.

The New York Times

In September 2005, Varma claims, they held a conversation that is at the heart of the case.

The Guardian - Business

He has answered questions from the public through YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and most recently Google Plus, which held a conversation with him on Monday.

The New York Times

Carlile told the Guardian that "as I far I can recall" he had never held a conversation with Heywood, and "certainly not" since SC Strategy was formed.

The Guardian

That it had been so long since American and Iranian presidents have held a conversation reflected the "deep mistrust between our countries," Obama said, but also indicated the opportunity for progression.

Independent

After the presentation The Frick Collection's Associate Research Curator Margaret Iacono held a conversation with Dr. Johnson about his discoveries regarding some of Vermeer's masterpieces, including The Collection's iconic Mistress and Maid.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I could hold a conversation.

The Guardian

Could you hold a conversation with him?

The Guardian - Music

"The guy was holding a conversation.

The New York Times

The Center for Strategic and International Studies holds a conversation with Total chief executive Patrick Pouyanné.

The Washington Post

"They were bright, guys could take them for dinner and they could hold a conversation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held a conversation" to emphasize a deliberate and focused exchange, particularly when the topic is serious or complex.

Common error

Avoid constructions like "a conversation was held" when you can use the active voice: "they held a conversation". The active voice is usually more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held a conversation" functions as a verb phrase, where "held" is the past tense of the verb "hold" and "a conversation" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held a conversation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a purposeful exchange of ideas or information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for professional and academic contexts, suggesting a more deliberate interaction than casual alternatives. It frequently appears in news and media, academic papers, and business communications. When writing, it's best to use active voice and consider more informal options like "had a discussion" when the context is less formal. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of a structured dialogue, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a discussion

Replaces "conversation" with the more formal "discussion".

spoke with

A more succinct way of saying "had a conversation with".

engaged in dialogue

Uses a more formal and active phrasing to describe the conversation.

conversed with

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

exchanged views

Focuses on the exchange of opinions during the conversation.

talked together

Simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the act of speaking.

shared ideas

Highlights the sharing of thoughts and perspectives.

communicated with

Broad term that can encompass various forms of communication including conversation.

had a confab

An informal alternative suggesting a private conversation.

brainstormed together

Implies a conversation specifically for generating ideas.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "held a conversation"?

Saying someone "held a conversation" means they participated in a dialogue or exchange of ideas with another person or group. It implies a more formal or deliberate interaction than simply "talking".

What can I say instead of "held a conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "had a discussion", "engaged in dialogue", or "spoke with" depending on the context.

Is "held a conversation" formal or informal?

"Held a conversation" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional and academic contexts, but not overly stiff for everyday use. Phrases like "had a chat" are more informal.

How to use "held a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "held a conversation" like this: "The diplomats held a conversation about the treaty" or "The professor held a conversation with the student about her research."