start the conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to initiate a discussion or dialogue on a particular topic. Example: "To address the issues at hand, let's start the conversation about our team's goals for this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start the conversation early.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's start the conversation".

The Guardian

EIA helps start the conversation.

Harvard University

"But someone should start the conversation.

The New York Times

But he wants to start the conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

How do we start the conversation?

University of California, Berkeley

I think that'll start the conversation.

The New York Times

Start the conversation with the leadership team.

Harvard Business Review

Start the conversation before anyone leaves home.

Harvard Business Review

But we have to start the conversation.

The New York Times

"It was a map to start the conversation," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start the conversation" to set a positive tone and invite participation from all parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "start the conversation" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; instead, opt for more precise verbs like "initiate", "introduce", or "present" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the conversation" functions as an imperative, urging someone to initiate a discussion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's widely used in various contexts. The phrase typically aims to prompt action and engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the conversation" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to encourage dialogue and initiate discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and business. While its register is primarily neutral, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "initiate the discussion" or "introduce the topic" for highly formal settings. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "start the conversation" to promote clear and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the discussion

Focuses on a more formal and structured approach to beginning a conversation.

begin the dialogue

Emphasizes a two-way exchange, suggesting a more collaborative start.

open the discussion

Suggests making a discussion accessible or available.

kick off the discussion

Uses a more informal and energetic tone to indicate the start.

launch the conversation

Implies a deliberate and planned start, like launching a project.

introduce the topic

Highlights the act of presenting a subject for discussion.

raise the issue

Suggests bringing up a specific problem or concern for discussion.

broach the subject

Indicates carefully or tactfully beginning a sensitive discussion.

get the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression for starting an activity, including a conversation.

break the ice

Refers to initiating a conversation to ease tension or awkwardness.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "start the conversation"?

Alternatives include "initiate the discussion", "begin the dialogue", or "open the discussion", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "start the conversation" effectively in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, "start the conversation" is suitable for encouraging open communication. For instance, "Let's "start the conversation" about improving team collaboration to address recent project delays."

Is "start the conversation" appropriate for formal academic writing?

While usable, "start the conversation" might be considered less formal than alternatives like "initiate the inquiry" or "introduce the discourse" in academic writing. Choose the phrase that best matches the overall tone of your piece.

When is it better to use a more specific phrase instead of "start the conversation"?

If you want to emphasize a particular aspect of beginning a discussion, use more specific terms. For instance, use "raise the issue" when introducing a problem, or "broach the subject" when cautiously introducing a sensitive topic.