open a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"open a dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to start a conversation or discussion, usually about a difficult or controversial topic. For example, "We need to open a dialogue about the effects of climate change on rural communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Open a dialogue about norms.

Harvard Business Review

"I don't understand why the Qataris don't open a dialogue with the ultras," he said.

The New York Times

But some attempts to open a dialogue with viewers have been a little odd.

The Economist

Asked if he was prepared to open a dialogue with them, he replied: "Dialogue with whom?

The New York Times

"We were trying with this strategy to open a dialogue," Conforti says.

The New Yorker

But she said she hoped at least to open a dialogue over expatriates' concerns.

The New York Times

"Before he criticized Asian business owners, he should have tried to open a dialogue.

The Washington Post

The Iraq Study Group recommended that the United States open a dialogue with Iran.

The New York Times

PBE's good-willed attempts to open a dialogue with CC has been met with suspicious resistance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Iraq initially proposed in February to open a dialogue with Mr. Annan "without preconditions".

The New York Times

Mr. Obama says he wants to open a dialogue with Tehran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open a dialogue", ensure that all parties involved are willing to participate and engage constructively. Setting clear expectations for the dialogue can help ensure productive conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "open a dialogue" when it's clear that one or more parties are unwilling to engage in a meaningful exchange. Forcing a dialogue can be counterproductive and damage relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open a dialogue" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a discussion or conversation, often with the intention of fostering understanding or resolving issues. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common expression across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open a dialogue" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies the initiation of a conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It's frequently employed in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that all parties are receptive to engaging in a constructive exchange. Alternative phrases like "initiate a discussion" or "start a conversation" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a discussion

Replaces "dialogue" with the more general term "discussion", focusing on the start of a conversation.

start a conversation

Uses more common vocabulary, making it less formal than "open a dialogue".

begin a discussion

Similar to 'initiate a discussion', but 'begin' is a simpler synonym for 'initiate'.

foster communication

Emphasizes the nurturing of ongoing communication rather than just the act of starting it.

establish communication

Focuses on setting up a formal or structured way to exchange information.

launch a conversation

Emphasizes the active and deliberate start to a conversation.

facilitate discourse

More formal and academic, implying a structured and reasoned exchange of ideas.

promote an exchange of views

Focuses on sharing different perspectives, suitable in situations requiring broader input.

create an open forum

Implies setting up a platform where multiple individuals can participate in discussions.

establish a communicative environment

Addresses the broader condition of encouraging open communication over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "open a dialogue" to suggest starting a discussion about a specific topic, for instance, "The company aims to "open a dialogue" with its employees regarding workplace safety".

What phrases are similar to "open a dialogue"?

Similar phrases include "initiate a discussion", "start a conversation", or "begin a discussion", depending on the specific context and desired formality.

Is it better to "open a dialogue" or "begin a dialogue"?

"Open a dialogue" and "begin a dialogue" are largely interchangeable, but "open a dialogue" might subtly suggest a more welcoming and accessible approach, whereas "begin a dialogue" can sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "open a dialogue" and "engage in dialogue"?

"Open a dialogue" refers to the act of starting a conversation, while "engage in dialogue" describes the ongoing process of participating in that conversation. You "open a dialogue" to then "engage in dialogue".