started conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started conversation" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "started a conversation" or "started conversations" depending on the context. Example: "She started a conversation with her neighbor about the upcoming community event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I didn't understand how surrounding yourself with photos of other people meditating had anything to do with inducing your own pure state of consciousness, and we started conversation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, I rarely started conversations.

The Guardian - Books

"We've started conversations," he said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We've started conversations and have..

Los Angeles Times

Tells of man who starts conversation with shopkeeper.

The New Yorker

"My work tells stories, and starts conversation".

Huffington Post

Read and start conversation.

WikiHow

Figure out if she is the one to start conversation.

WikiHow

You can also say this when you start conversation.

WikiHow

Starting conversations, however, is a good thing.

The New York Times

The post, he hopes, will start conversations.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use an article ("a" or "the") before "conversation" when using the verb "start" or its synonyms. The correct phrase is "started a conversation" or "started the conversation".

Common error

Avoid omitting the article ("a" or "the") before "conversation". Saying "started conversation" is grammatically incorrect. Always clarify whether you're starting a conversation (one of many) or the conversation (a specific one).

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a verb phrase intended to describe the act of initiating a dialogue. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect without an article. While examples exist, their grammatical correctness is questionable. It is crucial to include an article, such as "a" or "the", for correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "started conversation" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The correct usage requires an article ("a" or "the") before "conversation", such as "started a conversation" or "started the conversation". The phrase generally functions to describe the act of initiating a dialogue and is used across neutral to informal contexts. Always include an article to ensure grammatical accuracy. The most authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, still show that the expression, even though not technically correct, is used in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated a dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" and "started" with the more formal "initiated".

began a discussion

Substitutes "conversation" with "discussion" and "started" with "began".

commenced a conversation

Replaces "started" with the more formal term "commenced".

sparked a conversation

Emphasizes the act of initiating a conversation that might not have otherwise occurred.

launched a discussion

Uses "launched" to suggest a more active or deliberate initiation.

opened a conversation

Presents the act of starting as opening a door or opportunity.

fostered a discussion

Indicates that the conversation was encouraged and developed.

instigated a discussion

Suggests that the conversation was potentially contentious.

prompted a dialogue

Indicates that something specific led to the conversation.

triggered a conversation

Implies that the conversation was a direct and immediate result of something else.

FAQs

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

The phrase "started conversation" is grammatically incorrect. Use "started a conversation" or "started the conversation" instead. For example, "She "started a conversation" with her neighbor" or "He "started the conversation" about the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "started a conversation"?

You can use alternatives like "initiated a dialogue", "began a discussion", or "commenced a conversation", depending on the context. Other options include "sparked a conversation" or "launched a discussion".

Is it correct to say "started conversation" without an article?

No, it is not correct. The phrase requires an article ("a" or "the") for proper grammar. "Started conversation" is missing an article. Saying "He started conversation" is grammatically incorrect.

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

"Started a conversation" refers to beginning any conversation. "Started the conversation" refers to beginning a specific or previously mentioned conversation. For example, "They "started a conversation" about the weather", versus "He "started the conversation" we discussed yesterday".