invoke a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"invoke a conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to prompting people to start a dialogue or discussion about a topic. Example: The presenter wanted to invoke a conversation about the role of technology in education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Clearly she could fill her own museum with the ephemera she has collected as well; the books, clothing articles, black books, stickers, personal drawings that capture her eye and invoke a conversation that happened in the street, under ground, in the train yards.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But by contrast, the British and Canadians go through periodic charter reviews that invoke a national conversation; there's a culture of discussion and planning for public media in those nations that help them survive even the worst assaults from detractors or vested interests.

HuffPost

The Idaho Stampede and Hunter are hoping that their project will invoke a degree of conversation among people.

Huffington Post

Also, take it with a slight pinch of salt as I was clearly trying to invoke a response and, hopefully, start a conversation.

TechCrunch

The name was chosen, said Craig Woerz, a managing partner at both the Water Cooler Group and Media Storm, to invoke a holy grail among marketers: stimulating conversation, word of mouth, buzz and social sharing among consumers, a k a the water-cooler effect.

The New York Times

I hope my remarks today will start a conversation and through that conversation we can invoke an appreciation of how resilient the music community is, how supportive it can be and how welcoming it should be.

The Guardian - Music

These now invoke a kind of paralysis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Above: C# being used to invoke a Jupiter-based app.

TechCrunch

Second, we invoke a cell biological feature.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

One could invoke an investment protection treaty.

Harvard Business Review

They invoke an old and familiar story.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "invoke a conversation" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately prompting or calling forth a discussion on a specific topic. For example, a piece of art might "invoke a conversation" about social issues.

Common error

Avoid using "invoke a conversation" in very casual settings. Simpler phrases like "start a discussion" or "bring up a topic" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invoke a conversation" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, where "invoke" acts as a transitive verb. It describes the action of causing or initiating a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, particularly in contexts where deliberate prompting is implied.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "invoke a conversation" is a valid and grammatically correct expression that signifies intentionally prompting or starting a discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is best used when emphasizing the act of deliberately initiating a dialogue. Although "invoke a conversation" is a correct expression, it's more suited for formal and analytical contexts than for casual, everyday speech. Alternative phrases like "start a conversation" or "prompt a discussion" may be more appropriate in informal settings. While the phrase appears in varied contexts such as News & Media and Science, it occurs less frequently than simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark a discussion

Replaces "invoke" with "spark", focusing on initiating a discussion.

prompt a conversation

Uses "prompt" instead of "invoke", indicating a more direct instigation of discussion.

stimulate dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" and "invoke" with "stimulate", suggesting a more formal exchange.

initiate a dialogue

Uses "initiate" to replace "invoke", indicating a formal start to the discussion.

trigger a discussion

Replaces "invoke" with "trigger", suggesting that something sets off the discussion.

foster communication

Focuses on creating an environment conducive to ongoing exchange rather than initiating a single conversation.

encourage discussion

Implies creating a supportive atmosphere for conversation, not necessarily starting it directly.

generate debate

Suggests a more formal and potentially contentious discussion.

raise a topic for discussion

Focuses on introducing a subject matter rather than initiating a full conversation.

open up a discussion

Highlights the act of making a discussion possible or accessible.

FAQs

What does "invoke a conversation" mean?

The phrase "invoke a conversation" means to deliberately prompt or initiate a discussion on a particular topic. It suggests that something is intentionally done to start a dialogue.

How can I /s/start+a+conversation instead of "invoke a conversation"?

While "invoke a conversation" is valid, you can use alternatives such as "start a conversation", "prompt a discussion", or "trigger a discussion" depending on the context.

Is it better to "invoke a conversation" or /s/start+a+conversation?

"Invoke a conversation" suggests a more deliberate and perhaps formal initiation of a discussion. "Start a conversation" is more general and can apply to any beginning of a dialogue.

When is it appropriate to use "invoke a conversation"?

It's appropriate to use "invoke a conversation" when you want to express that something intentionally leads to or causes a discussion. It fits well in academic, formal, or analytical contexts where the act of prompting the conversation is significant.