hold conversations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold conversations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in dialogue or discussions with others. Example: "During the meeting, we were able to hold conversations about the project's progress and future goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They hold conversations with the deceased.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Standing in two window frames, they wave or hold conversations in mime.

Independent

"Angela and I can hold conversations with one-word sentences," Mr. Paolini said.

The New York Times - Books

But during that period, Vidra and Hughes continued to hold conversations with other people who could replace him.

The New Yorker

There's nobody here to tell the musicians to keep it down so folks can eat their dinner and hold conversations.

The New York Times

I frequently hold conversations with myself – I look at it as a means of working through decisions and stress.

The Guardian - Books

Developers had to make a five-foot-tall plastic potato sing, dance and seemingly hold conversations with people at random.

The New York Times

Reassuringly, there are two people who had surgery a day before, who can hold conversations and move unaided.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At ground level, you peer into front-room parlors and hold conversations with families, or shout up to neighbors hanging perilously over balcony railings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

My once lofty list of must-haves had been whittled down to: "clean; ability to hold conversation a plus".

The New York Times

This Cognitive Assistant is able to hold conversation with users in natural language in order to help them solve problems of common heuristics and biases.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold conversations" to emphasize a deliberate and meaningful exchange of ideas. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts, suggesting an active participation from all parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "hold conversations" when a simpler term like "talk" or "chat" would suffice, especially in informal settings. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hold conversations" is a verb phrase. It describes the action of engaging in a discussion or dialogue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The verb "hold" takes "conversations" as its direct object, indicating the action performed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold conversations" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of engaging in dialogue or discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its frequency is "Very common", appearing most often in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and avoid overusing formal language when simpler alternatives like "talk" or "chat" would suffice. Related phrases include "engage in dialogue" and "have discussions". Remember to use "hold conversations" to emphasize a deliberate and meaningful exchange of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in dialogue

This alternative emphasizes the interactive and reciprocal nature of the conversation.

have discussions

Focuses on the exchange of ideas and opinions, often in a more formal setting.

conduct discussions

This alternative suggests a more structured and organized exchange of ideas.

engage in communication

This alternative broadens the scope to any form of conveying information, not just verbal exchange.

have a dialogue

Highlights a two-way exchange, often with the aim of understanding and resolution.

exchange ideas

This alternative focuses on the sharing of thoughts and perspectives.

converse with

This alternative emphasizes the act of speaking informally with someone.

talk with

This is a simpler, more informal way of saying "hold conversations".

discuss matters

This alternative implies a focus on specific topics or issues being addressed.

interact verbally

This alternative emphasizes the use of spoken language in the interaction.

FAQs

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

"Hold conversations" is used to describe engaging in a dialogue or discussion. For example, "The team needs to "hold conversations" with stakeholders to gather feedback".

What are some alternatives to "hold conversations"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "engage in dialogue", "have discussions", or simply "talk with".

Is "hold conversations" formal or informal?

The phrase "hold conversations" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferable in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "hold conversations" and "have a chat"?

"Hold conversations" typically implies a more substantive exchange of ideas, while "have a chat" suggests a more casual and less structured interaction.