opening a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of starting a dialogue or discussion with someone. Example: "I believe that opening a conversation about mental health is essential for breaking the stigma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Opening a conversation is one of the main benefits of competitions conducted on the Internet.

The New York Times - Arts

"Where did your grandparents come from?" Ms. Weiner (pronounced WY-ner) asks, by way of opening a conversation.

The New York Times

AS IT happens, I'm one of those people willing to risk opening a conversation with the stranger sitting next to me on a plane.

The Economist

Opening a conversation with: "What's your most favourite yummy yum snack?" and ending it with "I've got to go bye-bye now" was not always a success with the grown-ups.

The Guardian

Recent work on the genetics of disease, however, suggest a way of opening a conversation with that solitary attractive stranger in a bar: loneliness can make you ill.Lonely people, it seems, are at greater risk than the gregarious of developing illnesses associated with chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and certain cancers.

The Economist

But considering the way Manchester City won the Premier League title, even ESPN had to give a nod in its highlights, and you need not show your passport when opening a conversation today with: "Two goals in stoppage time to win the league?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

If so, then open a conversation about future care planning.

The Guardian

But he was too polite to open a conversation.

The New Yorker

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" opened a conversation about violence against women.

The New York Times

Absolutely walk away,,, or perhaps skillfully open a conversation to guarantee a fair price.

Harvard University

The Al-Hamlet Summit opens a conversation over the ground of our reconciliation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opening a conversation" when you want to emphasize the initial act of starting a dialogue, especially when it leads to further engagement or understanding.

Common error

While versatile, "opening a conversation" can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "initiating discussions" or "presenting findings" in highly formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening a conversation" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of starting a dialogue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening a conversation" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of initiating a dialogue or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific and general writing. While generally neutral, consider the formality of your audience and the overall tone when choosing between "opening a conversation" and more formal alternatives like "initiating a dialogue". Remember to use it when emphasizing the initial step towards further engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiating a dialogue

Replaces "opening" with "initiating" and "conversation" with "dialogue", focusing on a more formal tone.

starting a discussion

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "opening" with "starting" and "conversation" with "discussion".

launching a conversation

Emphasizes the active and intentional nature of starting a conversation.

beginning a dialogue

Similar to initiating a dialogue but slightly less formal.

fostering communication

Focuses on creating an environment conducive to conversation rather than a single act of starting one.

sparking a discussion

Highlights the potential for a lively and engaging conversation.

raising a topic

Focuses on introducing a subject for discussion rather than the act of conversing itself.

introducing a subject

Similar to raising a topic, but can be broader in scope.

prompting a discussion

Emphasizes the act of causing a discussion to occur.

setting the stage for discussion

Focuses on preparing for a conversation rather than directly initiating it.

FAQs

How can I use "opening a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "opening a conversation" to describe the act of initiating a dialogue, such as "Opening a conversation about mental health can reduce stigma".

What are some alternatives to "opening a conversation"?

Alternatives include "initiating a dialogue", "starting a discussion", or "launching a conversation".

Is it better to say "opening a conversation" or "having a conversation"?

The choice depends on the context. "Opening a conversation" focuses on the beginning, while "having a conversation" refers to the ongoing exchange.

How does "opening a conversation" differ from "facilitating a conversation"?

"Opening a conversation" means initiating the dialogue, whereas "facilitating a conversation" means guiding an existing discussion.