one-sided conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-sided conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a conversation where only one person is actively participating or talking, while the other person is mostly just listening or not contributing much to the conversation. Example: "I tried to have a conversation with my friend, but it turned into a one-sided conversation as she was too busy scrolling through her phone and not engaging with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A woman has a one-sided conversation on a cell phone.

Huffington Post

Have a loud one-sided conversation on the phone.

WikiHow

Take everything you know about that person, paying special attention to what you want to stall them for, and just lead them on a completely one-sided conversation.

WikiHow

A mostly one-sided conversation ensued -- on my part -- until our table was ready.

The New York Times

This one-sided conversation carried on for some time, until, at long last, Eddie, a former patient who had a penchant for playing poker, made the flashlight closest to us blink on and off.

The New York Times - Travel

Few things are as boring on social media as a one-sided conversation.

Huffington Post

"You aren't sure if that's a one-sided conversation, something going on only in her head, or whether she ends up doing something about it," Krauss said.

Los Angeles Times

Another paused on his descent to hold a one-sided conversation with the corpse stretched across the route.

The New York Times - Sports

When his family logs on to hear him, it will always be a one-sided conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The President is having a very eloquent, one-sided conversation.

The New Yorker

It's a rather one-sided conversation, to be sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one-sided conversation", ensure the context clearly illustrates the lack of reciprocity. For instance, describe the listener's lack of engagement or the speaker's dominance in the interaction.

Common error

Avoid assuming a conversation is "one-sided" simply because one person is doing most of the talking. Active listening, even without frequent verbal responses, can still constitute engagement and make it a two-sided interaction. Ensure there's a true lack of participation before applying the label.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-sided conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "one-sided" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes a specific type of interaction where only one participant actively engages in speaking, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one-sided conversation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an interaction lacking reciprocal engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to denote imbalances in communication. While often carrying a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of active listening or engagement, the phrase can also describe scenarios where a monologue or lecture is appropriate. Related terms include "unilateral discussion" and "lopsided dialogue", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes that one participant is dominating or that active listening is genuinely absent. The phrase's frequent occurrence in diverse sources underscores its relevance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lopsided dialogue

Suggests an attempt at conversation, but with a strong imbalance in participation.

unilateral discussion

Emphasizes the single participant's dominance in the exchange; focuses on the lack of shared input.

talking at someone

Indicates a forceful delivery with little or no regard for the listener's reaction.

asymmetrical communication

Uses more formal language to emphasize an imbalance in communication.

non-reciprocal exchange

Highlights the absence of mutual interaction, moving away from the conversational aspect.

speaking without listening

Highlights the lack of attention to the other party, focusing on the speaker's self-absorption.

monologue

Suggests a prolonged speech by one person, with no expectation of response; stronger emphasis on a performance.

unanswered discourse

Focuses on the speaker as a point of origin and the absence of a response.

soliloquy

Implies that the speaker is talking to themselves, or revealing their thoughts without expecting to be heard.

personal lecture

Indicates a situation where someone gives an extended speech to another person, not allowing any dialogue.

FAQs

How can I use "one-sided conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "one-sided conversation" to describe a situation where one person does most of the talking and the other person listens without actively participating. For example, "The meeting turned into a "one-sided conversation" when the manager started lecturing the team without allowing any questions".

What's a less common synonym for "one-sided conversation"?

A less common, more formal synonym for "one-sided conversation" is "unilateral discussion", which emphasizes the lack of shared input and reciprocal exchange.

Is it always negative to have a "one-sided conversation"?

Not necessarily. While often used negatively to describe a lack of engagement, a "one-sided conversation" can also occur when someone is processing grief, sharing important information, or when one party is intentionally playing a listening role.

What's the difference between a "one-sided conversation" and a monologue?

While both involve one person speaking, a "one-sided conversation" implies an attempt at dialogue, even if unsuccessful. A "monologue" is a sustained speech by one person, with no expectation of immediate response from anyone.