several conversations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several conversations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to multiple discussions or dialogues that have taken place on a particular topic or between individuals. Example: "After several conversations with the team, we finally reached a consensus on the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We had several conversations.

The New York Times - Sports

We had several conversations yesterday.

The Guardian

The lawyers had several conversations over a period of weeks.

The New York Times

Commandant Collins and I have had several conversations about this.

The New York Times

"I had several conversations," Cashman said in reference to Pavano's agent, Tom O'Connell.

The New York Times - Sports

On Monday, the government played several conversations between Ms. Chiesi and Mr. Rajaratnam.

The New York Times

"My career is not well thought out," she told me, repeating the idea in several conversations.

The New Yorker

Mr. Westerwelle had also conducted several conversations with his Iranian counterpart, German officials said.

The New York Times

He can sound as though he's having several conversations at once.

The New Yorker

Recently, I have had several conversations with farmers in this area.

The New York Times

Several conversations are on the subject of whether it is better to get shot or cut.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context and formality of your writing to determine if "several conversations" is the most appropriate phrase. For more formal contexts, consider using "multiple discussions" or "numerous talks".

Common error

While "several conversations" is acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "extensive deliberations" or "iterative consultations" to enhance the tone and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several conversations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of having more than two conversations. Ludwig confirms this use is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several conversations" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It indicates that multiple discussions have taken place and is commonly found in neutral contexts like news and media. While versatile, considering more formal alternatives like "multiple discussions" or "numerous talks" can enhance clarity and sophistication in formal writing. Remember that "several conversations" implies more discussions than phrases like "a few chats". The widespread appearance of "several conversations" across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian attests to its established use in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of discussions

Similar to multiple discussions but may imply a slightly smaller quantity.

multiple discussions

Emphasizes a more formal and structured exchange of ideas compared to casual conversations.

numerous talks

Highlights the frequency and potentially the seriousness of the discussions.

various dialogues

Suggests a series of formal and in-depth exchanges.

repeated discussions

Focuses on the fact that the discussions happened more than once, underlining recurrence.

a series of chats

Indicates a more informal and friendly exchange.

frequent exchanges

Highlights the regularity and back-and-forth nature of the communications.

a few chats

Suggests a smaller number of informal conversations.

many interactions

Broader term including different means of communication, not just conversations.

ongoing communications

Highlights that the communication is still happening or has not concluded.

FAQs

How can I use "several conversations" in a sentence?

You can use "several conversations" to indicate that multiple discussions have taken place. For example, "After several conversations with the client, we finalized the agreement."

What are some alternatives to "several conversations"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple discussions", "numerous talks", or "various dialogues" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "several conversations" or "a few conversations"?

"Several conversations" implies more discussions than "a few conversations". The choice depends on the actual number and the emphasis you want to convey.

What is the difference between "several conversations" and "ongoing communications"?

"Several conversations" refers to a set of distinct discussions, while "ongoing communications" suggests a continuous or repeated exchange over time.