opened a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opened a dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of starting a conversation or discussion, often in a formal or diplomatic context. Example: "The two countries opened a dialogue to address their ongoing trade disputes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

On Saturday, the government opened a dialogue with the opposition — including the long-banned Muslim Brotherhood.

The New York Times

In those decisions, Ginsburg said, "the Court, in effect, opened a dialogue with the political branches of government.

The New Yorker

Sisi made few public statements, but he opened a dialogue with Chuck Hagel, his counterpart at the Pentagon.

The New Yorker

Whatever its shortcomings, the show put contemporary African work on the postmodern map and opened a dialogue.

The New York Times - Arts

Back in the late 1980s, Kurtzer was a key figure in formulating U.S. policy that opened a dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Princeton University

Brian Paddick has opened a dialogue with Lambeth people who were either fervently anti-police or innately suspicious of them (He's our kind of cop, March 18).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Open a dialogue about norms.

Harvard Business Review

This includes a possibility of opening a dialogue with Islamic State.

The Guardian

Ms. Rice also urged Mr. Jiang to open a dialogue with Mr. Chen.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opened a dialogue" when you want to emphasize the initiation of a conversation, especially one that is expected to be ongoing or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "opened a dialogue" in overly casual settings. Phrases like "started talking" or "began chatting" are more appropriate for informal conversations or personal anecdotes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened a dialogue" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of communication. It highlights the action of starting a conversation or discussion, often with a specific purpose or goal in mind, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opened a dialogue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the start of a conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various sources. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, remember that "opened a dialogue" carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional, academic, or news-related content. Alternatives such as "initiated a conversation" or "started a discussion" may be better suited for more casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated a conversation

Focuses on the start of an informal exchange.

started a discussion

Emphasizes the commencement of a more structured exchange of ideas.

began negotiations

Highlights the initiation of formal talks, often in a business or political context.

established communication

Suggests the creation of a formal channel for exchanging information.

launched a discourse

Implies a more academic or philosophical beginning of communication.

fostered an exchange

Highlights the creation of opportunities to exchange experiences.

commenced deliberations

Focuses on the beginning of careful and thorough discussions, usually in a formal setting.

inaugurated talks

Formal term that emphasizes the importance of talks or negotiation.

triggered a debate

Indicates that the first actions have encouraged others to give different opinions.

instigated a conversation

Shows that the start of the talk has been sudden.

FAQs

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

You can use "opened a dialogue" to describe initiating a conversation, especially in formal contexts. For example, "The government "opened a dialogue" with the opposition."

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

Alternatives include "initiated a conversation", "started a discussion", or "began negotiations" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "opened a dialogue"?

It's appropriate in formal or professional settings, such as describing diplomatic efforts, business negotiations, or academic discussions. Avoid using it in casual or informal conversations.

Is "opened a dialogue" the same as "started a conversation"?

While similar, "opened a dialogue" often implies a more formal, structured, and potentially ongoing discussion, whereas "started a conversation" is more general and can refer to any initial exchange.