provide conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to engage in dialogue or to facilitate a discussion. Example: "During the meeting, I encourage everyone to provide conversation to ensure all viewpoints are heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She will also deliver a short history of gingerbread cookies that should provide conversation the holiday season.

The New York Times

For iPhones or the iPod Touch, HappiTaps ($20, infantino.com) turns the screen into an oblong-headed bear that you can clip to a stroller, to provide conversation or deliver a lullaby (there are different modes).

The New York Times - Tech

The charts produced provide conversation pieces for advisers to use with their farmer clients in relation to the significant decisions they face.

Agricultural Systems

Now your interior design will work in two ways: it will look great and provide conversation starters for your guests.

Huffington Post

When writing these blog posts, it is usually not critical to provide proof of statements--one's opinion is often sufficient to provide conversation starters.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was like social networking of an earlier kind; the albums were a common thread, providing conversation that connected us.

The New York Times

In earlier years there was a strict code of silence but by the 1950s this had relaxed and talking was permitted in the cellhouse and dining hall provided conversations were quiet and there was no shouting, loud talking, whistling or singing.

Wikipedia

In contrast point-to-point methodologies provide service conversation with metadata only from the two services that exchange information.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Also like Scorecasting, they provide good conversation, whether it is at a barstool or in a lecture hall.

Huffington Post

The basic idea is to provide 24/7 conversation monitoring for clients and offer rapid response within social media.

Huffington Post

Social media posts provide great conversation starters but nothing will beat getting to know a person without decoding emoticons and ellipses!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provide conversation" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating or facilitating dialogue, especially in situations where conversation might not naturally occur.

Common error

In casual settings, using "provide conversation" can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "chat" or "talk" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Provide conversation" functions as a verb phrase + noun, indicating the act of initiating or facilitating dialogue. Ludwig examples show its use in describing actions or items that stimulate or allow discourse. It suggests a deliberate effort to create an environment conducive to communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide conversation" is a phrase used to describe the act of initiating or facilitating dialogue, often in contexts where conversation might not naturally occur. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, though somewhat uncommon. It leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, science, and structured social settings. While alternatives like "foster dialogue" or "stimulate discussion" can offer more nuanced expressions, understanding the deliberate and facilitative nature of "provide conversation" can help writers use it effectively. Be mindful to use less formal alternatives in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foster dialogue

Focuses on the nurturing and encouragement of communication.

stimulate discussion

Highlights the act of initiating and encouraging a conversation.

encourage interaction

Emphasizes creating an environment for people to engage with each other.

facilitate communication

Focuses on making communication easier and more effective.

initiate dialogue

Highlights starting a conversation or discussion.

promote discourse

Emphasizes the act of advancing or encouraging discussion.

spark discussion

Emphasizes initiating an engaging and lively conversation.

offer discourse

Focuses on the act of presenting or providing conversation.

present discussion

Highlights the act of introducing a topic for conversation.

engender communication

Emphasizes creating or causing communication to happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide conversation" to describe an action that encourages dialogue, like: "The speaker's presentation will "provide conversation" during the networking session." Alternatively, you might say, "The game is designed to "provide conversation" for families."

What are some alternatives to "provide conversation"?

Consider using alternatives such as "foster dialogue", "stimulate discussion", or "encourage interaction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative has a slightly different emphasis on the type of interaction or its facilitation.

When is it appropriate to use "provide conversation"?

"Provide conversation" is suitable in contexts where you want to highlight the act of offering or facilitating dialogue, especially where conversation might not naturally arise. It's often used in formal or structured settings, such as meetings or organized events.

How does "provide conversation" differ from "have a conversation"?

"Provide conversation" implies an active role in initiating or facilitating dialogue, whereas "have a conversation" simply refers to participating in one. The former suggests creating an environment or opportunity for discussion, while the latter focuses on the act of conversing itself.