solicit conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solicit conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of inviting or encouraging someone to engage in a discussion or dialogue. Example: "During the meeting, I decided to solicit conversation from the attendees to gather their opinions on the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They solicit conversation and unexpected adventures for their owners.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To that end, Apple is including a prominent feedback button right in the app itself to solicit that conversation.

TechCrunch

The widgets can be used, for example, to print the most recent conversations or solicit new ones.

TechCrunch

Thus it's important for those writers to solicit ideas, to have honest conversations and to be open to feedback from their collaborators, who ideally should come from all kinds of backgrounds and bring many different perspectives to the process.

Huffington Post

You need to solicit expert advice from trusted resources and include your daughter in that conversation.

Huffington Post

Even though the discussions remain preliminary, Mr. Parsons arranged for a presentation last week to update the board on the progress, to solicit their input and forestall later objections to a deal, executives close to the conversations said.

The New York Times

Conversations are essentially lightweight forum threads where users can post messages and solicit responses.

TechCrunch

Some judges solicit bribes.

The Economist

If not, solicit his opinion.

The New York Times

Why did she solicit us?

Independent

Sylvia Browne doesn't solicit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solicit conversation" when you want to actively invite or encourage someone to speak and share their thoughts, especially in a setting where participation might be hesitant.

Common error

Avoid using "solicit conversation" in situations where natural or organic dialogue is expected. Overuse can make interactions feel forced or contrived, particularly in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solicit conversation" functions as a verb phrase where "solicit" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, and "conversation" serves as that object. It describes the action of actively seeking or prompting a discussion. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solicit conversation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of actively seeking or encouraging dialogue. While relatively rare in occurrence, as validated by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. Its purpose is to initiate discussions and gather input, and its register is generally neutral to professional. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding forced or unnatural, particularly in informal settings. Consider alternative phrases like "invite dialogue" or "encourage discussion" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invite dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue", suggesting a more formal or structured exchange.

encourage discussion

Uses "discussion" instead of "conversation", implying a more focused and potentially argumentative exchange.

prompt communication

Shifts the focus to initiating communication, rather than a specific conversation.

seek input

Focuses on obtaining feedback or ideas, framing the interaction as a request for information.

foster exchange

Highlights the creation of an environment conducive to sharing ideas and thoughts.

initiate discourse

Emphasizes starting a formal and extended discussion on a particular topic.

spark interaction

Suggests creating an initial event to trigger further communication and engagement.

generate feedback

Concentrates on producing responses and opinions, potentially through indirect means.

elicit remarks

Implies drawing out comments or observations, often from a reluctant or reserved audience.

provoke engagement

Highlights stimulating active participation, often by presenting a controversial or intriguing topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "solicit conversation" to describe actively seeking input or discussion, such as, "The moderator aimed to "solicit conversation" from the audience after the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "solicit conversation"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "invite dialogue", "encourage discussion", or "seek input".

Is it better to "solicit conversation" or "invite conversation"?

"Solicit conversation" implies a more active and intentional effort to initiate dialogue, while "invite conversation" suggests a more open and welcoming approach. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

In what settings is it appropriate to "solicit conversation"?

It's suitable in meetings, presentations, or structured discussions where active participation is desired. However, it might sound unnatural in casual or informal settings where conversation should flow more organically.