opened the conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opened the conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of starting a discussion or dialogue with someone. Example: "She opened the conversation by asking about his recent trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Starbucks opened the conversation," Ms. Larsen said in a Tully's near the University of Washington.

The New York Times

The interrogating officers opened the conversation by telling her, "It didn't happen.

The New York Times

Colonel Lindsey opened the conversation by telling Colonel Drew that he would not be the Capcom on the next mission.

The New York Times - Science

That has opened the conversation to this once-unthinkable notion of applying technology on a global scale to adjust the planet's temperature or extract some of that carbon.

The Washington Post

The politician was Representative David E. Dreier, who says Mr. Schwarzenegger opened the conversation with five simple words: "David, I need your help".

The New York Times

Regan opened the conversation saying "if I were there Margaret, I'd throw my hat in the door before I came in," referring to the Wild West tradition for visitors unsure of the welcome they would receive.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He opens the conversation below.

The Economist

The goal of this chapter is to open the conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Mobile User Experience Patterns to Make Sense of it All

What is important right now is to open the conversation, she said.

The New York Times

Now, Liam can open the conversation in a much more open way.

Harvard Business Review

This was a group she trusted enough to open the conversation.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opened the conversation" to clearly indicate the start of a discussion, especially when the manner of initiation is relevant.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid repetitive use in formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "initiated the discussion" or "began the dialogue" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened the conversation" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of initiating a dialogue or discussion. Examples found by Ludwig, such as "Starbucks opened the conversation," illustrate its use in attributing the start of a discussion to a specific entity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opened the conversation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of initiating a discussion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While acceptable across various contexts, its frequency is relatively uncommon, as demonstrated by the limited number of examples. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. For increased formality, alternatives such as "initiated the discussion" or "began the dialogue" may be considered. Ludwig's analysis suggests that understanding its function, purpose, and suitable register enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated the discussion

Focuses on the action of beginning a formal discussion.

started the dialogue

Emphasizes the beginning of an exchange between two or more parties.

began the discussion

Highlights the commencement of a conversation in a more general sense.

introduced the topic

Focuses on the act of bringing a subject up for discussion.

raised the subject

Emphasizes the act of bringing up a specific matter.

broached the subject

Implies a delicate or sensitive introduction of a topic.

kicked off the discussion

Suggests an informal start to a conversation.

set the stage for discussion

Focuses on preparing or framing a conversation.

launched the conversation

Implies a formal or structured start to the conversation.

tabled the topic

Announced the subject matter to be addressed.

FAQs

How can I use "opened the conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "opened the conversation" to describe the act of initiating a dialogue. For example: "She "opened the conversation" by asking about recent events."

What are some alternatives to "opened the conversation"?

Alternatives include "initiated the discussion", "started the dialogue", or "began the discussion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "opened the conversation" in formal writing?

Yes, "opened the conversation" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more formal alternatives like "initiated the discussion" for added sophistication.

What's the difference between "opened the conversation" and "initiated the conversation"?

"Opened the conversation" is more general and can apply to informal settings, while "initiated the conversation" often implies a more structured or formal beginning to a discussion.