little conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

'little conversation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a brief, informal discussion. For example, "We had a little conversation about the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have a little conversation.

The New York Times

There is very little conversation.

The Guardian

No coincidence or presentiment involved in this little conversation.

The New Yorker

We had a little conversation about the authenticity game.

The Guardian - Books

There had been very little conversation between us.

The Guardian - Sport

And he looks happy just to have this little conversation.

The New Yorker

Tonight there was little conversation, beyond praise for the food.

The New Yorker

"There was little conversation and even less romance.

The New York Times

In the last week or so there's been little conversation about Mr. Mayer's faux pas.

The New York Times - Arts

"They mainly kept to themselves, and we had very little conversation, if any," Ms. Voss said.

The New York Times

"And I'm having a little conversation with her, about what it is going to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little conversation" to describe an informal and brief exchange, especially when the topic is not serious or complex.

Common error

Avoid using "little conversation" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise terms like "brief discussion" or "short exchange" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little conversation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase that describes a brief, informal discussion, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little conversation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a brief, informal exchange. Ludwig AI affirms its usability across various contexts, although it's generally more suited for neutral to informal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase effectively conveys a casual interaction. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives like "brief discussion" or "short exchange" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "little conversation" when describing a light, inconsequential chat and avoid it in formal reports to maintain professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief chat

Emphasizes the brevity of the conversation.

short discussion

Highlights the formal aspect of an exchange, albeit a short one.

quick exchange

Focuses on the speed and brevity of the communicative act.

small talk

Implies light, inconsequential conversation.

brief dialogue

Highlights the exchange between two parties.

fleeting exchange

Emphasizes the short duration and transient nature of the conversation.

casual chat

Underscores the informality and relaxed nature of the interaction.

short talk

Highlights a short period of talking about something.

momentary discussion

Underscores the brevity and conciseness of the exchange

quick word

Highlights a quick conversation

FAQs

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

You can use "little conversation" to describe a brief and informal exchange, as in, "We had a little conversation about the weather".

What's a good alternative to "little conversation"?

Alternatives include "brief chat", "quick exchange", or "small talk", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "little conversation" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "little conversation" might sound too informal for academic or business contexts. Consider using "brief discussion" or "short deliberation" instead.

What is the difference between "little conversation" and "lengthy discussion"?

"Little conversation" refers to a short and informal exchange, whereas "lengthy discussion" implies a long and detailed deliberation. The former is casual, while the latter is more formal and in-depth.