lines of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

'lines of conversation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a discussion or an exchange of ideas between two or more people. For example, "The two friends had many interesting lines of conversation during their coffee date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Would-be senators do not usually meander into such lines of conversation.

The New York Times

In this study, we follow seventy backchannel participants over eighteen months of persistent usage in an academic environment, during which time over a quarter-million lines of conversation occurred.

University of California, Berkeley

Unlike many parents, Dana had an opportunity to help her son understand what had upset him, which is why therapists like Mr. Klein say that keeping the lines of conversation open is the best safeguard against any potential harm.

The New York Times

But there are those who wish to close down these new lines of conversation and creativity, whether by campaigning for the removal of a relatively obscure piece of interactive fiction about depression, or by silencing critics like Sarkeesian who critique games through a feminist lens.

The New Yorker

But there are those who wish to close down these new lines of conversation and creativity, whether by campaigning for the removal of a relatively obscure piece of interactive fiction about depression, or by silencing critics like Sarkeesian who critique games through a feminist lens.

The New Yorker

While Shamsie is "sure there are a lot of people within publishing who have been rolling their eyes at the whole article", she said she has "only heard about that secondhand or by reading between the lines of conversation or noticing certain obvious silences", with those getting in touch with her "largely positive".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The base line of conversation rises which could make threshold detection more difficult.

University of California, Berkeley

Apparently, she thought that this line of conversation would be upsetting to Sergey.

The New Yorker

Which line of conversation leads to the critical respectability which has belatedly come Horror's way.

The Guardian - Film

Having never seen your mother, I was at a loss as to how to continue this line of conversation.

The New Yorker

"I don't mind the buzz," Ms. Hamilton interjected, derailing a line of conversation that veered toward the precious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lines of conversation" to describe ongoing or potential areas for discussion, particularly when emphasizing the variety or direction the conversation might take.

Common error

Do not use "lines of conversation" when a simpler term like "conversation" or "discussion" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of conversation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the topics, themes, or potential directions that a discussion or dialogue might encompass. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lines of conversation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe the topics, themes, or potential directions that a discussion might take. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is generally appropriate across various contexts, as supported by the examples from news, academic, and wiki sources. While not exceedingly common, the phrase offers a nuanced way to express the scope and range of a discussion, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring it adds clarity and depth to your writing without becoming redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threads of conversation

Implies a continuous, evolving discussion where ideas are interconnected and build upon each other.

strands of dialogue

Similar to threads of conversation, indicating interconnected and evolving ideas within a formal exchange.

topics of discussion

Focuses on the subject matter being talked about, rather than the act of conversing.

subjects of conversation

Similar to topics of discussion but sounds more natural and less formal.

themes of discussion

Highlights the recurring or central ideas that are explored throughout a conversation.

points of discussion

Highlights specific items brought up during a conversation, often in a structured setting.

avenues of communication

Emphasizes the channels through which conversation flows, suggesting a broader scope than just spoken words.

areas of dialogue

Suggests a more formal and structured exchange, often between groups or organizations.

courses of discussion

Describes the direction and progression of a conversation, often in a planned or deliberate manner.

aspects of communication

Broadens the scope to include non-verbal elements and the overall process of conveying messages.

FAQs

How can I use "lines of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "lines of conversation" to refer to the topics or directions a discussion might take, as in: "The meeting opened up new "avenues of communication"".

What's a good alternative to "lines of conversation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "topics of discussion", "subjects of conversation", or "points of discussion" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "lines of conversation" formal or informal?

"Lines of conversation" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. For very informal situations, simpler terms like "things to talk about" might be more appropriate.

How does "lines of conversation" differ from "areas of conversation"?

"Lines of conversation" suggests potential paths or directions a discussion could take, while "areas of conversation" refers to specific subjects or fields that are being discussed.