is in conversation with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in conversation with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that two or more people are conversing. For example, "John is in conversation with Mary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He is in conversation with Rabbi Peter Rubinstein.

The Guardian

James Rhodes is in conversation with Stephen Fry at Hay festival tonight (hayfestival.com).

The Guardian - Music

Tom Courtenay is in conversation with Laura Barton there on 10 September.

The Guardian

Schütte is in conversation with Adrian Searle at the Goethe Institute, London SW7 (020-7596 4050), on April 12.

The Guardian

Criado Perez is in conversation with comedian Bridget Christie at Kings Place, London N1, on Monday 18 May.

The Guardian

The city is in conversation with CSX, the state Department of Transportation and Robeson County officials to determine next steps.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The nonprofit park management company is "in conversations" with Green Barrel Energy about deploying more machines.

The New York Times

He will be "in conversation" with the Summit's attendees.

TechCrunch

Catmull was in conversation with Stanford Prof. Bob Sutton.

Stanford University

"We are in conversation with the police.

The Guardian

"I just love being in conversation with people," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in conversation with" to suggest a meaningful exchange of ideas, rather than a simple one-way communication. This phrase implies a reciprocal relationship and mutual engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "is in conversation with" when one party is merely informing or instructing another. This phrase should only be used when there is a back-and-forth exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in conversation with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an exchange of ideas or dialogue between two or more parties. This suggests an active engagement and reciprocal communication, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in conversation with" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a meaningful exchange between two or more parties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates active engagement and reciprocal communication. While suitable for formal writing, it's essential to ensure its use accurately reflects the two-way nature of the interaction, distinguishing it from simple one-way communication. Alternatives like "is discussing with" or "is dialoguing with" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is engaged in a dialogue with

Stresses the mutual and reciprocal nature of the exchange, implying active participation from both sides.

is dialoguing with

Highlights the exchange of ideas in a structured way, implying a more formal or intentional interaction.

is having a discussion with

Indicates a structured conversation, often with a specific topic or purpose.

is discussing with

Focuses on the act of talking about something, differing slightly from the collaborative nuance of a conversation.

is exchanging ideas with

Emphasizes the sharing of thoughts and concepts, highlighting the intellectual aspect of the interaction.

is conferring with

Suggests a more formal and deliberate discussion, often involving decision-making.

is consulting with

Emphasizes seeking advice or expert opinion, adding a layer of formality or specific purpose not always present in a general conversation.

is in talks with

Focuses on negotiations or discussions with a specific goal, often in a business or political context.

is communicating with

A broader term that encompasses various forms of interaction, not just verbal exchanges.

is interacting with

A general term indicating any form of reciprocal action or influence, broader than just conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "is in conversation with" in a sentence?

You can use "is in conversation with" to describe a dialogue or exchange of ideas between two or more entities. For example, "The author is in conversation with contemporary philosophical thought in her new book."

What's a good alternative to "is in conversation with"?

Alternatives include "is discussing with", "is consulting with", or "is dialoguing with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is in conversation with" in formal writing?

Yes, "is in conversation with" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you want to emphasize a meaningful exchange of ideas. However, always ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the interaction.

What is the difference between "is in conversation with" and "is talking to"?

"Is talking to" implies a simple act of speaking, whereas "is in conversation with" suggests a more substantive and reciprocal exchange. The former is less formal and does not necessarily indicate a deep engagement with the other party's ideas.