perfunctory conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfunctory conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation that is done as a routine or duty, lacking depth or genuine interest. Example: "Their meeting was filled with perfunctory conversation, as neither party was truly invested in the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I learned that my "office visit" consisted of a perfunctory conversation I had with the doctor while I was wearing a paper gown, lying on an operating table and in a fog, minutes before he did the deed.

The New York Times

Rightpafterne of our inveshegation of the derailment of the SEC here. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most important, perhaps, the suspects had only perfunctory conversations with outsiders.

The New York Times

The annual (and rather perfunctory) winter semester conversation on race soon follows.

Huffington Post

With Reddit AMAs now practically a scheduled stop on every celebrity's PR blitz, these sessions often feel like perfunctory courtesies than authentic conversations.

Vice

Their conversation there was perfunctory.

Independent

An even smaller proportion, about one in 10, appeared to engage in any kind of conversation beyond the perfunctory, though almost all said hello.

Independent

We pile into the car in a state of well being and drive past Noel Coward's house with only a perfunctory replay of the earlier conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The conversation was brief and perfunctory, former Bush aides said.

The New York Times

She flashed a perfunctory smile and carried on the conversation I had interrupted.

Huffington Post

These days, their conversations tended to be brief and perfunctory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfunctory conversation" to precisely describe interactions lacking genuine engagement or depth. This is useful when emphasizing the lack of sincere interest or meaningful content in a discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "perfunctory conversation" in contexts where genuine connection or meaningful dialogue is present. Overusing the phrase can create a negative tone and misrepresent the actual dynamic of an exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfunctory conversation" functions as an adjective-noun combination where 'perfunctory' modifies 'conversation'. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a type of exchange. The adjective 'perfunctory' specifies that the conversation is carried out with minimal effort or thought, as a routine duty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfunctory conversation" effectively describes a superficial or routine exchange lacking genuine interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly common, the phrase appears primarily in News & Media contexts. Related terms include "superficial discussion" and "cursory dialogue", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "perfunctory conversation", be mindful of overusing it in situations where the dialogue carries a genuine connection, and always consider whether other phrases might be more accurate. Be prepared to use this phrase where one seeks to criticize or negatively emphasize the lack of sincere purpose for the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfunctory exchange

Maintains the original meaning but uses a synonym for 'conversation'.

perfunctory dialogue

Maintains the original meaning but uses a synonym for 'conversation'.

superficial discussion

Indicates a lack of depth and substance in the conversation.

meaningless discussion

Highlights the lack of purpose or significance in the conversation.

cursory dialogue

Highlights the superficial and hurried aspect of the conversation.

shallow exchange

Suggests a lack of emotional or intellectual depth.

routine exchange

Emphasizes the habitual and predictable nature of the interaction.

obligatory chat

Stresses the feeling of being required to engage in the conversation.

brief chat

Focuses on the short duration of the conversation.

empty chatter

Emphasizes the lack of meaningful content in the conversation.

FAQs

What does "perfunctory conversation" mean?

A "perfunctory conversation" is a conversation conducted as a duty or routine, lacking genuine interest, depth, or enthusiasm. It often involves minimal effort and is performed in a superficial manner.

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

You might say, "Their meeting was filled with a "perfunctory conversation", as neither party was truly invested in the discussion." This indicates that the conversation was more of an obligation than a sincere exchange.

What are some alternatives to "perfunctory conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "superficial discussion", "cursory dialogue", or "routine exchange" to convey similar meanings depending on the context.

Is "perfunctory conversation" formal or informal?

"Perfunctory conversation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is most commonly found in writing and formal speech. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.