opening a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening a dialogue" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It typically means to start a conversation or discussion about something. For example, "The conference was successful in opening a dialogue about the future of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did President Bush make the right call in opening a dialogue with Iran?

The New York Times

He promptly ruled out opening a dialogue with the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

We're confronting deep-seated, complex, and highly personal attitudes and assumptions but opening a dialogue is a good first step.

Harvard Business Review

Some give him credit for opening a dialogue with Kim after years of drift under his predecessor, Barack Obama.

The Washington Post

They were a way of opening a dialogue with the powers that be and with nature itself.

The Guardian - Books

The Chinese may show little interest in the rights of workers or opening a dialogue with "stakeholders", but they build roads and other infrastructure.

The Economist

Indeed, some Iran-watchers in America accuse Mr Obama of inadvertently speeding up this sequence of events by opening a dialogue that has emboldened Tehran's hardliners.

The Economist

This is despite the success which Kim Dae Jung, the South's president, has had in opening a dialogue with the North's Mr Kim.

The Economist

By looking closely at Brooklyn, by exploring the ideals and values of its citizens, the museum is opening a dialogue that is creating a sense of community ownership.

The New York Times - Arts

When our attempts at opening a dialogue were ignored, we scaled the fence, wrapped ourselves in our prayer shawls, and sang and studied Torah on the convent porch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "opening a dialogue" with a specific goal to emphasize the purpose. For example, "opening a dialogue to address concerns" is more informative than simply "opening a dialogue".

Common error

Avoid using "opening a dialogue" without specifying the topic or goal. For example, instead of saying "The company is opening a dialogue", specify "The company is opening a dialogue about its environmental impact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening a dialogue" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English and commonly used to describe the act of initiating a conversation or discussion. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening a dialogue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the initiation of a conversation or discussion. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a perfectly acceptable term suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings, this phrase serves the purpose of fostering understanding, addressing concerns, and resolving conflicts. To enhance clarity, specifying the topic or goal of the dialogue is recommended. Alternatives include "initiating a conversation", "starting a discussion", and "fostering communication". The term is flexible and can be used across both formal and informal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiating a conversation

Focuses on the act of beginning a spoken exchange.

starting a discussion

Emphasizes the commencement of a more formal or structured conversation.

beginning an exchange

Emphasizes the initiation of a reciprocal flow of information or ideas.

engaging in conversation

Focuses on active participation in a communicative exchange.

launching a discussion

Suggests a more deliberate and planned start to a conversation.

fostering communication

Highlights the nurturing of an ongoing exchange of ideas.

commencing talks

Indicates the beginning of formal negotiations or discussions.

creating an opportunity for exchange

Highlights the provision of a setting or situation conducive to communication.

setting up a conversation

Implies organizing the preconditions for dialogue.

establishing rapport

Focuses on building a connection as a foundation for dialogue.

FAQs

What does it mean to "open a dialogue"?

To "open a dialogue" means to initiate a conversation or discussion, usually with the intent of fostering understanding, resolving issues, or exploring new ideas. It suggests a willingness to communicate and exchange viewpoints.

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

You can use "opening a dialogue" to describe the beginning of a constructive discussion. For example, "The summit aimed at "opening a dialogue" between the two nations" or "The company is "opening a dialogue" with its employees about workplace safety".

What are some alternatives to "opening a dialogue"?

Alternatives to "opening a dialogue" include phrases like "initiating a conversation", "starting a discussion", or "fostering communication". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "opening a dialogue" and "having a discussion"?

"Opening a dialogue" emphasizes the act of beginning a conversation or exchange, often with a specific purpose or goal in mind. "Having a discussion" simply refers to the ongoing process of exchanging ideas or information.