informal conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"informal conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase when discussing general chit-chat or small talk between people. For example, "Although the topics discussed in informal conversation are often mundane, they provide the basis for meaningful relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The informational interview is an informal conversation between you and a person whose career interests you.

Science Magazine

Prequalified is an informal conversation with a lender.

The Washington Post

"The interview is an informal conversation with Alex and me," Ms. Thorsson said.

The New York Times

The same is true of a lot of informal conversation, though obviously not all speech.

The New York Times

While the thought may be valid in a spoken and informal conversation, it is silly here.

University of California, Berkeley

Opportunities for informal conversation will be available at lunchtime and in optional late afternoon programming.

Columbia University

MINION: Thanks for coming down and having an informal conversation in which no creative ideas were officially exchanged.

The New Yorker

Bill and Peter joined Cell editor João Monteiro in an informal conversation about science, medicine, designing experiments, and training the next generation.

Cell

Luebke says he has had an informal conversation with the GSA, but no official response to his letter.

The Washington Post

Gordon called it a "brief, informal conversation," during which he repeated public Trump statements about improving relations with Russia.

The Washington Post

Cornell provides informal conversation classes for visiting scholars and accompanying family members each semester through Community ESL.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a qualitative study, remember that "informal conversation" with participants can yield valuable insights that structured interviews might miss.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because a conversation is "informal conversation" it lacks substance or importance. Active listening and careful observation are still crucial to glean meaningful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal conversation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of interaction, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "Opportunities for informal conversation will be available at lunchtime".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "informal conversation" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe relaxed and unstructured communication between individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for discussing casual chats or small talk, especially in contexts such as news, science, and academia. While often lighthearted, these conversations play a crucial role in relationship building and information sharing. Remember to consider the context and purpose when using or analyzing "informal conversation", and avoid mistaking its informality for irrelevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual chat

Highlights the relaxed and unscripted nature of the exchange.

relaxed discussion

Emphasizes the absence of pressure or strict rules in the exchange.

easygoing talk

Focuses on the comfortable and unforced atmosphere of the conversation.

unstructured dialogue

Highlights the lack of a predefined format or agenda.

off-the-cuff exchange

Stresses the spontaneous and unprepared nature of the interaction.

friendly banter

Suggests a lighthearted and playful tone in the conversation.

chatting

A more concise and general term for casual conversation.

small talk

Refers to polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters.

water cooler talk

Specifically refers to casual conversations in a workplace setting.

fireside chat

Suggests a more intimate and personal setting for an informal conversation, typically one-on-one or in small groups.

FAQs

How can I start an "informal conversation"?

Begin with open-ended questions, share a personal anecdote, or comment on the immediate surroundings to create a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

What is the difference between "informal conversation" and "formal discussion"?

"Informal conversation" is unstructured and relaxed, while a "formal discussion" typically follows an agenda and has a specific purpose, often in a professional or academic setting.

When is it appropriate to engage in "informal conversation"?

It's appropriate in social gatherings, networking events, team-building activities, or any situation where building rapport and establishing personal connections is beneficial.

What can I say instead of "informal conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "casual chat", "relaxed discussion", or "easygoing talk" depending on the context.