maintain a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain a dialogue" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of having a conversation, or continuing a conversation that has already been started. For example, you could write, "It is important to maintain a dialogue with your colleagues in order to build trust and reach mutually beneficial solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Afterward, labor leaders praised Ms. Chao for her candor and her promise to maintain a dialogue.

The New York Times

Far from living in the shadows, she tries to maintain a dialogue with Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator.

Independent

We do not want to set quotas or diktats, but we do want to maintain a dialogue and pressure.

The Guardian

Despite his harsh words, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his commitment to trying to maintain a dialogue with China.

The New York Times

When sales professionals are unable to provide ongoing value, the buyer feels no obligation to maintain a dialogue.

Harvard Business Review

They say he is there to maintain a dialogue with the rival faction of ultraconservative Islamists, known as Salafis, who control nearly a quarter of Parliament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Since the Oslo accords, the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships have maintained a dialogue at some level.

The New York Times

The Knicks also plan to meet with Rudy Gay and are maintaining a dialogue with their own free agent, David Lee.

The New York Times

Thereafter throughout 1971 the SSLM, representing General Lagu, maintained a dialogue with the Sudanese government over proposals for regional autonomy and the ending of hostilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Monday, Vale said in a statement that "in an environment of a global consolidation of the mining industry, Vale has been maintaining a dialogue with Xstrata management".

The New York Times

"Instability has been a major problem but Rupert is at least coming back for the right reasons," said Illingsworth, who maintains a dialogue with the former City banker.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maintain a dialogue" to emphasize the importance of continuous and open communication, especially in situations requiring ongoing negotiation or collaboration.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain a dialogue" when only one party is speaking or expressing their views. Ensure there is a reciprocal exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a dialogue" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing continuous communication. It suggests an ongoing process of exchanging ideas or information between two or more parties. Ludwig AI highlights examples in news, business, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintain a dialogue" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the significance of continuous communication across diverse fields. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in contexts ranging from news and media to formal business and scientific discourse. When using "maintain a dialogue", remember that you're highlighting an ongoing exchange and should prevent the confusion with starting a discussion or establishing monologue. Consider also sustain a dialogue or foster communication as suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain a dialogue

Focuses on the continuation of the conversation over time. This alternative places emphasis on the act of keeping the conversation alive and ongoing.

engage in dialogue

Focuses on the active participation and involvement in the conversation, highlighting the interaction itself.

cultivate a dialogue

Emphasizes the effort required to foster and nurture the conversation, implying a more intentional and active approach.

maintain a discourse

Implies a more formal and structured exchange of ideas, often within a specific field or context.

continue a conversation

Simply suggests keeping the already started conversation moving forward.

establish a dialogue

Highlights the initial creation or setup of the conversation, rather than its maintenance.

manage a dialogue

Suggests a more active role in directing and controlling the conversation, ensuring it stays productive and focused.

keep the lines of communication open

Highlights the importance of preserving channels for information exchange and interaction.

pursue a discussion

Implies a determined effort to advance the conversation towards a specific goal or outcome.

foster communication

Focuses on the act of promoting open and effective communication between parties.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain a dialogue" to express the need for ongoing conversation, such as, "It's crucial to "maintain a dialogue" with stakeholders to address their concerns effectively."

What can I say instead of "maintain a dialogue"?

You can use alternatives like "sustain a dialogue", "cultivate a dialogue", or "foster communication" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "maintain a dialogue" and "start a dialogue"?

"Maintain a dialogue" implies an ongoing conversation, while "start a dialogue" suggests initiating one. They describe different phases of communication.

When is it appropriate to use "maintain a dialogue" in professional writing?

It's suitable when emphasizing the importance of continuous communication, negotiation, or collaboration. For instance, "The company aims to "maintain a dialogue" with its employees to ensure transparency and address any workplace concerns."