public conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"public conversation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to conversations or discussions that take place in a public setting, such as in a public forum, on social media, or in a public space. Example: "The recent controversy sparked a heated public conversation about freedom of speech and its limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the public conversation still matters.

The New York Times

To keep the public conversation going?

The New York Times

But it's a public conversation well worth having.

The New York Times

L'affaire Lacaze is filling the newspapers & public conversation.

The New Yorker

Artists are making films about what's on the public conversation.

The Guardian - Film

In Ireland, this fleeting public conversation never materialised.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 2010, 12 newspapers were energizing the public conversation.

Harvard University

This won't happen without a collective, public conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Slowly, a public conversation about historical crimes is emerging.

The Guardian

We all have a role in this public conversation.

The Washington Post

The summer's revelations jump-started a critical public conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity. For instance, specify the topic of the conversation (e.g., "public conversation about climate change") for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "public conversation" when referring to closed-door meetings or private discussions. The phrase implies openness and accessibility, which are not characteristics of private interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes discussions accessible to a wide audience. This phrase is often used to describe ongoing dialogues on matters of general interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public conversation" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to accessible and broad-based discussions on various topics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic and formal settings. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing ongoing dialogues on matters of general interest or concern. When writing, it's best to use "public conversation" to describe discussions that are open and inclusive, while avoiding its use for private or closed-door meetings. Related phrases, such as "public discourse" or "national dialogue", can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public discourse

Focuses more on formal and structured discussions, often in academic or political contexts.

public debate

Emphasizes opposing viewpoints and arguments presented in a public forum.

national dialogue

Highlights a conversation occurring across the entire nation, typically on significant issues.

civic discussion

Suggests a conversation related to community or societal issues, often aimed at problem-solving.

popular discussion

Refers to a conversation that is widespread and engaged in by many people.

open forum

Implies a setting or platform where public conversation can take place freely.

community discussion

Highlights conversation within a specific local or interest-based community.

general discussion

Is a broad term for conversations that are not necessarily focused or structured.

societal conversation

Focuses on a broad discussion related to societal norms, values, or changes.

public exchange

Emphasizes the reciprocal sharing of ideas and viewpoints in a public setting.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The documentary sparked a vibrant "public conversation" about mental health in sports" or "The mayor aimed to start a "public conversation" regarding urban development projects".

What's the difference between "public conversation" and "public discourse"?

"Public conversation" implies a general discussion, while "public discourse" often suggests a more structured and formal exchange of ideas, usually in academic or political contexts.

Are there alternatives to "public conversation"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "public debate", "national dialogue", or "civic discussion" depending on the specific context and formality you want to convey.

Is "public conversation" formal or informal?

"Public conversation" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and general discussions. Its formality depends on the setting and the tone of the discussion itself.