start a dialogue with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a dialogue with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the initiation of a conversation or discussion with someone. Example: "To resolve the issue, we need to start a dialogue with the stakeholders involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start a dialogue with your team about expectations.

Harvard Business Review

"The principal will immediately start a dialogue with the pupil.

The New York Times

"With this festival we hope to start a dialogue with the Western world".

The New York Times

He also wants to start a dialogue with the Senate, a la British Question Time.

The New York Times

Only then did he agree to withdraw troops from residential areas and start a dialogue with the opposition.

The New York Times

One of the occupiers, Jade Jackman, said the group's main aim was to start a dialogue with university management.

The Guardian

The director, Philipp Kadelbach, and the writer, Stefan Kolditz, have said that their intention was to start a dialogue with Germans who lived through the war.

The New Yorker

If he chooses to try to start a dialogue with a more constructive opposition, he could remove the stigma attached to the undemocratic aspects of his rule.

The Economist

"I'll start a dialogue with these kids," said the officer, who regularly moves more delicate discussions of military personnel and command issues to a private e-mail address.

The New York Times

The Taliban leadership, believed to be based in Pakistan, is under pressure to end the war in Afghanistan and start a dialogue with the Kabul government.

The Guardian

"We will start a dialogue with President Abbas and the other factions," Mr. Haniya said in remarks broadcast on Al Jazeera, the Arab satellite channel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, framing proposals or initiatives with "start a dialogue with" can encourage collaborative feedback and engagement from stakeholders.

Common error

Don't equate starting a dialogue with immediate agreement. It's just the beginning of a conversation, not a guaranteed resolution. Set realistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a dialogue with" functions as a verb phrase that initiates an exchange of ideas or information between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and commonly used. It sets the stage for discussion and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start a dialogue with" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies the beginning of a conversation or exchange, particularly with the intention of fostering understanding or resolving issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently encountered in news reporting and business contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, remember that initiating a dialogue is just the first step towards reaching an agreement. Consider alternatives like "initiate a conversation with" or "open a discussion with" to precisely convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a conversation with

Focuses on the very beginning of a back and forth.

open a discussion with

Highlights the act of starting a conversation on a specific topic.

begin communication with

Emphasizes establishing a connection and implies an exchange of information or ideas.

establish contact with

Centers around creating a connection, potentially for a specific reason.

foster communication with

Focuses on promotion of further and more elaborate interactions.

engage in a discourse with

More formal and suggests a structured exchange of ideas.

undertake consultations with

Suggests a series of formal meetings and discussions on a particular issue.

reach out to and confer with

Implies making an effort to connect and share ideas.

make overtures toward

Suggests initiating a formal or diplomatic interaction.

enter into negotiations with

Implies commencing formal discussions, often with the goal of reaching an agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "start a dialogue with" in a sentence?

You can use "start a dialogue with" to indicate the beginning of a conversation, for example: "The company decided to "start a dialogue with" its employees to address their concerns."

What phrases are similar to "start a dialogue with"?

Similar phrases include "initiate a conversation with", "open a discussion with", or "begin communication with".

Is it better to "start a dialogue with" or "have a dialogue with"?

"Start a dialogue with" emphasizes the initiation of the conversation, whereas "have a dialogue with" implies an ongoing or existing conversation. The best choice depends on whether you're referring to the beginning of the interaction or its continuation.

What's the difference between "start a dialogue with" and "engage in a conversation with"?

"Start a dialogue with" focuses on the act of beginning a formal or structured exchange, while "engage in a conversation with" is broader and can refer to any type of back and forth, formal or informal.