started a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initiation of a dialogue or discussion between two or more people. Example: "During the meeting, she started a conversation about the new project ideas that everyone seemed to appreciate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"That started a conversation".

The New York Times

It started a conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jack's started a conversation.

The Guardian

It's started a conversation among ordinary people".

The New York Times

I started a conversation with my wife in 1983.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I just walked up and started a conversation".

The New York Times

It started a conversation, because soaps often do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

First, start a conversation.

Harvard Business Review

They are intended to start a conversation.

The New York Times - Arts

"We wanted to start a conversation".

The New York Times

So today start a conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started a conversation" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating a dialogue, especially if the subsequent discussion is important or noteworthy. For instance, "The controversial article started a conversation about ethics in journalism."

Common error

Don't use "started a conversation" if you can be more specific about the nature of the conversation or the initial topic. Instead of "He started a conversation", consider "He inquired about my research", or "He broached the subject of climate change."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a conversation" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a communicative exchange. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a common and grammatically correct way to describe the initiation of dialogue. It frequently acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing an action performed by a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started a conversation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the beginning of a dialogue or discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news articles and academic papers to everyday communication. While it maintains a neutral register, considering alternatives like "initiated a dialogue" or "sparked a discussion" can add nuance and precision to your writing, depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. Use "started a conversation" when you wish to highlight the act of initiating a discussion, especially if the subsequent exchange is of particular importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated a dialogue

Focuses on a more formal or structured beginning of communication.

sparked a discussion

Emphasizes the idea that the conversation was caused by something.

commenced a discussion

Highlights the formal commencement of a conversation.

triggered a dialogue

Implies that the conversation was prompted by a specific event or issue.

launched a discussion

Suggests a more deliberate or planned start to the conversation.

opened a discussion

Simple way to describe the beginning of a conversation.

fostered an exchange

Highlights reciprocal communication and an interchange of opinions or ideas.

engaged in conversation

Focuses on the active participation in conversation rather than just the start.

broached a topic

More about introducing a topic than beginning a full conversation.

raised an issue

Suggests bringing up a specific point that leads to discussion.

FAQs

What's the difference between "started a conversation" and "initiated a dialogue"?

"Started a conversation" is more general and informal. "Initiated a dialogue" suggests a more structured or formal beginning of communication, often with a specific purpose.

What can I say instead of "started a conversation" to emphasize the cause of it?

You could use phrases like "sparked a discussion" or "triggered a dialogue" to show that the conversation was prompted by something specific.

Is "started a conversation" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "started a conversation" is generally acceptable, but in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "commenced a discussion" or "initiated a dialogue" for a more elevated tone.

How to use "started a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "started a conversation" to describe the act of beginning a discussion. For example, "Her insightful question started a conversation among the panelists" or "The blog post started a conversation on social media".