instigate conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instigate conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of initiating or provoking a discussion or dialogue. Example: "The speaker aimed to instigate conversation among the audience about the pressing issues of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Do not instigate conversation or respond to it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One specific activity BackTrack implements is called 'Circle Work' which provides participants the opportunity to verbalise their feelings, instigate conversations about issues with which they are having difficulty coping, and express their hopes for the future.

Health & Justice

The experiences I manufactured in the studio were happening naturally in my kitchen, where I was a facilitator and a producer, where I brought people together and instigated conversation".

The New Yorker

But by instigating conversations with channel owners about a service that would compete with the likes of Comcast, the company is taking a different tack than its rival Apple, which has been trying to collaborate with both channel owners and their distributors on a TV offering.

The New York Times

The curators evidently also had fun instigating conversations between particular works, like the one between a wildly linear graphite drawing of a woman by Willem de Kooning and a tenderly drawn rear view of a massive nude hooking her bra by Fernando Botero.

The New York Times - Arts

They're really about creating connections between readers and authors, and instigating conversations about reading and writing.

Huffington Post

The campaign has gotten notice beyond the SheaMoisture target and has instigated conversations across the industry about how something even as seemingly pedestrian as retail merchandising can send harmful cultural messages.

Huffington Post

"We wanted to make them speak, and instigate a conversation where they are on an equal footing".

The Guardian - Arts

Having to work out a way to instigate a conversation that wouldn't blow my cover was harder still.

The Guardian - Tech

He promised the audience a night of "cognitive theatre," and said that David Fricke would "instigate" the conversation; he invited everyone to check out the memorabilia after the talk.

The New Yorker

In a music world where streaming services often require the user to instigate the conversation, Beats 1's aim is to bring the unknown of radio into people's phones.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instigate conversation" when you want to express the idea of initiating a discussion, particularly when you are taking an active role in starting it.

Common error

Avoid using "instigate conversation" when a more neutral term like "start" or "begin" would be more appropriate. "Instigate" can sometimes imply a degree of deliberate action that may not always be present or desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigate conversation" functions as a verb phrase, where "instigate" is the verb indicating the action of initiating or prompting, and "conversation" is the noun representing the discussion being started. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instigate conversation" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of actively starting a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid but rare. While applicable across various contexts, from News & Media to Wiki entries, it's particularly useful when highlighting a proactive approach to initiating dialogue. Alternatives such as "initiate dialogue" or "spark a discussion" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. However, exercise caution in using "instigate" in scenarios where a more neutral term is appropriate, as it may imply a degree of deliberate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initiate dialogue

Focuses on a more formal and structured beginning of a conversation.

Spark a discussion

Highlights the creation of interest or excitement that leads to a conversation.

Prompt a conversation

Emphasizes the act of encouraging or causing a conversation to begin.

Trigger a discussion

Suggests a specific event or idea that starts the conversation.

Kindle a dialogue

Implies a gentle and gradual start to a more meaningful conversation.

Generate conversation

Stresses the creation or production of talk.

Foster communication

Highlights the cultivation and encouragement of ongoing communication.

Incite discussion

Similar to instigate, but can imply a more forceful or controversial start.

Set off a debate

Implies starting a more formal and structured argument or discussion.

Launch into a conversation

Suggests beginning a conversation in an enthusiastic and direct manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "instigate conversation" to describe actively starting a discussion. For example: "The presenter aimed to "instigate conversation" among the attendees by asking thought-provoking questions."

What are some alternatives to "instigate conversation"?

Alternatives include "initiate dialogue", "spark a discussion", or "prompt a conversation". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does "instigate" imply in the phrase "instigate conversation"?

"Instigate" suggests actively and deliberately starting a conversation, sometimes implying a proactive or even strategic approach to initiating the discussion.

Is "instigate conversation" formal or informal?

"Instigate conversation" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally perceived as slightly more formal than simply saying "start a conversation".