hold a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a conversation" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate when two or more people are engaging in dialogue. For example, "The two students held a conversation about their summer plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I could hold a conversation.

The Guardian

Could you hold a conversation with him?

The Guardian - Music

"They'll stop in front of you and hold a conversation.

The New York Times

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

Independent

One hundred years later, barely 20 percent of French citizens could hold a conversation in French.

The New York Times

I hold a conversation with myself each time I feel myself drifting toward those tempting lists.

The New Yorker

Our families live quite far away and Elaine can't hold a conversation anymore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're wearing ear protectors and it is hard to hold a conversation, but he seems pleased.

The Guardian

But Mr. Blum can barely hold a conversation because of the ringing telephone.

The New York Times

Someone who can at least hold a conversation and is drop-dead gorgeous!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could hold a conversation, there was nothing obviously wrong with me.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a conversation" to describe the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, especially when emphasizing the quality or depth of the interaction.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "hold a conversation" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Opt for alternatives like "engage in a discussion" or "maintain a dialogue" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a conversation" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of engaging in and sustaining a dialogue between two or more people. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a conversation" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the ability or act of engaging in a dialogue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. The phrase appears predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, being mindful of the specific context is important – opting for alternatives like "engage in a discussion" or "maintain a dialogue" can enhance formality when needed. To effectively use "hold a conversation", focus on describing the quality and sustainability of the dialogue, ensuring clarity and coherence in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in conversation

This alternative uses "engage" to emphasize active participation in the conversation.

carry on a conversation

This alternative emphasizes the continuous nature of the interaction.

have a discussion

This alternative is more formal and suggests a structured exchange of ideas.

converse with

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of saying "have a conversation with".

maintain a dialogue

This alternative suggests a more sustained and meaningful exchange.

talk with someone

This alternative is a simpler, more casual way of expressing the idea.

speak with

This is a more general and simple alternative to "hold a conversation".

have an exchange

This alternative suggests a reciprocal exchange of information or ideas.

exchange words

This alternative is more general and can refer to any verbal interaction.

share thoughts

This alternative focuses on the exchange of ideas and opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "hold a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a conversation" to describe the ability to engage in dialogue, as in "She was able to "hold a conversation" about complex topics".

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

You can use alternatives such as "engage in conversation", "have a discussion", or "carry on a conversation", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "hold a conversation" or "have a conversation"?

Both "hold a conversation" and "have a conversation" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Hold a conversation" may emphasize maintaining or controlling the flow of dialogue.

What's the difference between "hold a conversation" and "engage in conversation"?

"Hold a conversation" implies the ability to maintain or sustain a dialogue, while "engage in conversation" emphasizes active participation and involvement in the discussion.