start conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"start conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone initiate a conversation with another person. For example, "Let's start conversation about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We need an emotion-grabber, a punch in the nose to start conversation.

The New York Times

One freshman, to start conversation, went into a long dissertation on tea.

The New Yorker

Mazouz knows how to foster environments that start conversation, and Gagnaire is creating dishes influenced by Creed's art, so there will be plenty to discuss over dinner.

The New York Times

Even in flawed shows, elite artists like Mr. Durang, Ms. Midler and Mr. Lane prove that good theater doesn't just start conversation.

The New York Times

"My idea was to give parents a way to start conversation with a child, to introduce the notion that high times may be transient, to prepare ourselves," said Valerie Tripp, the author of the six-part book series that accompanies Kit.

The New York Times - Style

Because Ben never approached me in a way that made me want to respond to him (whining like a 2-year-old and then getting nasty and walking out of a room asking why I have an attitude does not start conversation with me), the issue was not addressed until I looked him in the face and asked what was wrong.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

* Start conversations.

The New York Times

The post, he hopes, will start conversations.

The Guardian - Tech

How do you start conversations with strangers?

The Guardian - Music

To find matches and start conversations.

Huffington Post

How? Good influencer marketing starts conversations which reach others, who also start conversations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "start conversation", tailor your opening remarks to your audience. Consider their interests and background to create a relevant and engaging start.

Common error

Don't "start conversation" with overly generic phrases. Instead, use specific details or questions related to the immediate context to capture attention and encourage a more meaningful exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start conversation" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable. It describes the act of initiating a dialogue between two or more people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start conversation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe initiating a dialogue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently used in Wiki and News & Media contexts. To effectively "start conversation", tailor your approach to the audience and avoid generic openings. Consider using related phrases like "initiate a discussion" or "spark a dialogue" to add variety to your language. When choosing between "start conversation" and "initiate conversation", remember that the former is more informal, while the latter is more suitable for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a discussion

Focuses on beginning a more formal or structured exchange of ideas.

spark a dialogue

Emphasizes creating a lively or engaging exchange.

open up a conversation

Suggests making the conversation available or accessible.

kick off a chat

Implies an informal and casual beginning to a conversation.

launch into dialogue

Presents a more active and assertive start.

commence communication

Uses more formal language for beginning interaction.

establish rapport

Highlights building a connection as the conversation begins.

break the ice

Refers to overcoming initial awkwardness to begin speaking.

get the ball rolling

Suggests setting the stage for an ongoing conversation.

bring up a topic

Focuses on introducing a specific subject to begin the discussion.

FAQs

How can I "start conversation" effectively in a networking event?

Begin with open-ended questions related to the event or industry, such as "What are you hoping to gain from this conference?" or "What's the most interesting thing you've learned today?". This encourages more than a yes/no response and /s/facilitates+dialogue.

What's a good way to "start conversation" with someone I've never met before?

Find a common ground based on your environment or shared experience. For example, at a coffee shop, you could comment on the coffee or the ambiance to /s/initiate+a+dialogue.

Which is better, "start conversation" or "initiate conversation"?

While both are correct, "start conversation" is more informal and common in everyday speech. "Initiate conversation" is more formal and might be preferred in professional or academic settings. Choose the phrase that best fits your /s/intended+register.

What are some creative ways to "start conversation" online?

Instead of a simple 'Hi', try referencing something specific from their profile or sharing a relevant article or meme related to their interests. This shows you've taken the time to learn about them and /s/makes+the+interaction+more+personal.