instigate dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instigate dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of initiating or provoking a conversation or discussion, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The organization aims to instigate dialogue between different community groups to address local issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But there's also nothing like film, Ms. Pally said, "to instigate dialogue and start conversations that people wouldn't be comfortable having in another situation".

The New York Times

It's a film that should instigate questions and in doing that instigate dialogue between people and get people talking.

Huffington Post

Whenever I'm working on or have finished a drawing I particularly enjoyed making, I post it on social media as a means to instigate dialogue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Orange is intended to illuminate our lives, not to produce stress or sadness, but rather to instigate a dialogue.

Huffington Post

Most doctors (82.1%) reported initiating a discussion about participating in decision-making with their patients; however, only 62.5% instigated this dialogue with more than half of their patients.

British Journal of Cancer

This has been instigated without any dialogue with the workforce.

The Guardian - Money

Thus deontology codes have gone from favouring the exclusion of patients from the information flow in the event of an unfavourable prognosis – something which is hardly feasible nowadays but once in line with a paternalistic view of medicine – to awarding them absolute centrality and autonomy through information and dialogue instigated by the physician [ 2].

BMC Medical Ethics

Questions still surround who instigated the talks.

Forbes

Charismatic, energising and a notorious workaholic, he was appointed principal conductor in 1988, when the USSR was in its death throes, and immediately instigated an east-west artistic dialogue on a hitherto unprecedented scale.

The Guardian - Books

SpY's mural and installation work is geared to instigate reflection, to create a public dialogue that isn't confined to the people who can afford to visit a gallery.

Vice

Originally opened in February of this year, the long-awaited dialogue formed the beginnings of Bahrain's much-touted reform programme, instigated by the Sunni royal family in response to the civil unrest.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instigate dialogue" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of starting a conversation, especially one that might be difficult or avoided.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "instigate dialogue" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start a conversation" or "get people talking" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigate dialogue" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "instigate" is the verb and "dialogue" is the direct object. It describes the action of initiating a conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instigate dialogue" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to initiate or start a conversation. Ludwig AI confirms this, and while examples are somewhat rare, the phrase finds appropriate use in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While suitable, it might sound too formal for casual conversations. Consider synonyms such as "trigger dialogue" or "initiate dialogue" based on the specific context. As a best practice, use it to highlight the deliberate effort of beginning a crucial discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initiate dialogue

Replaces "instigate" with "initiate", offering a more neutral and straightforward way to describe starting a conversation.

Begin dialogue

Uses "begin" instead of "instigate", offering the most basic and direct way to describe starting a conversation.

Trigger dialogue

Replaces "instigate" with "trigger", implying a more reactive start to the conversation.

Launch dialogue

Substitutes "instigate" with "launch", suggesting a deliberate and formal initiation of discussion.

Generate dialogue

Replaces "instigate" with "generate", emphasizing the creation of a conversation where none previously existed.

Provoke dialogue

Uses "provoke" instead of "instigate", indicating a more intentional or even controversial start to the conversation.

Stimulate dialogue

Substitutes "instigate" with "stimulate", indicating a desire to make the conversation more lively and engaging.

Induce dialogue

Uses "induce" rather than "instigate", implying a persuasive approach to starting a conversation.

Ignite dialogue

Substitutes "instigate" with "ignite", suggesting a more passionate and energetic start to a discussion.

Encourage dialogue

Replaces "instigate" with "encourage", implying a supportive approach to promoting conversation.

FAQs

What does "instigate dialogue" mean?

The phrase "instigate dialogue" means to start or initiate a conversation, often one that is intended to address a specific issue or concern. It implies a deliberate effort to begin a discussion.

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

You might say, "The film festival aims to "instigate dialogue" about social inequality" or "The organization hopes to "instigate dialogue" between community leaders and residents".

What are some alternatives to "instigate dialogue"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate dialogue", "start a conversation", or "trigger dialogue" depending on the specific context.

Is "instigate a dialogue" the same as "promote dialogue"?

While both phrases relate to conversation, "instigate a dialogue" focuses on starting it, whereas "promote dialogue" implies fostering or encouraging an ongoing conversation or discussion.