starting a dialogue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting a dialogue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of initiating a conversation or discussion, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "We are committed to starting a dialogue with our community to address their concerns and gather feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He envisions starting a dialogue with Internet Service Providers.

The Guardian

The politician and peace negotiator on starting a dialogue, getting people to listen, and the importance of public service.

Harvard Business Review

Doctors signed on to the Blood op-ed in hopes of starting a dialogue on high drug prices.

Harvard Business Review

The short-lived sign, in that sense, accomplished its purpose of starting a dialogue perhaps better than anyone expected.

The New York Times

The Rev. Bernardo Cevellera, editor of Asia News, agreed, saying, "This is a very good sign of starting a dialogue".

The New York Times

"This is about starting a dialogue," said Marcus Michelson, a student in a master's program at the school.

The New York Times

Her party, the National League for Democracy, has rejected the junta's conditions for starting a dialogue, which include her dropping her support for international sanctions against the regime.

The Economist

"But I think it is making a mistake by not starting a dialogue, because they are losing more and more young people to radical Shiite movements".

The New York Times

Producers have a vital role to play not just in educating people but in starting a dialogue about taboo health issues, believes Harris.

The Guardian

Mr. Clinton then urged India to take the lead in starting a dialogue with Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The New York Times

That looked like an attempt to defuse the crisis by starting a dialogue it is hoped will ensure the survival of the regime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business or academic contexts, frame "starting a dialogue" as a strategic move to gather diverse perspectives and foster innovation.

Common error

Don't use "starting a dialogue" without a clear purpose or desired outcome. Define what you hope to achieve through the dialogue to ensure it remains focused and productive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting a dialogue" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of initiating a conversation or discussion, often with the intention of fostering understanding or reaching a resolution. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting a dialogue" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe initiating a conversation, often with the aim of fostering understanding or resolving conflicts. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's widely used in news, business, and academic contexts. The phrase is considered appropriate for neutral to professional registers. While there are numerous alternatives like "initiating a conversation" or "opening up a discussion", "starting a dialogue" emphasizes intentionality and a desire for mutual comprehension. To maximize its effectiveness, ensure the dialogue has a clear objective and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiating a conversation

Focuses more on the act of beginning a conversation, less about the broader implications of a "dialogue".

engaging in conversation

Focuses on active participation and involvement in a communicative exchange.

opening up a discussion

Highlights the act of making a discussion possible, emphasizing accessibility and inclusiveness.

setting up a discussion

More direct in implying organization for a planned discussion

fostering communication

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of communication, suggesting a nurturing and supportive approach.

launching a discourse

Implies a more formal and structured exchange of ideas, suitable for academic or professional settings.

instigating a discussion

Adds a sense of urgency to starting a conversation

sparking a debate

Suggests a more confrontational or argumentative beginning, focusing on differing viewpoints.

commencing talks

Often used in diplomatic or negotiation contexts, referring to the beginning of formal discussions.

opening channels of communication

Focuses on creating methods of communication.

FAQs

How can I use "starting a dialogue" in a sentence?

You might say, "The organization is /s/committed+to committed to "starting a dialogue" with local communities to address their concerns" or "The conference aims to /s/initiate+a+conversation initiate a conversation about sustainable development".

What's a more formal alternative to "starting a dialogue"?

In a formal setting, consider using "initiating a discourse" or "commencing talks". These alternatives, like "embarking on a discussion", convey a higher degree of formality and seriousness.

Is "starting a dialogue" the same as "having a conversation"?

While both involve communication, "starting a dialogue" often implies a more structured, intentional effort to build understanding and find common ground, whereas "having a conversation" may be more casual and spontaneous. For similar meaning consider "engaging in conversation".

When is it appropriate to use "starting a dialogue"?

"Starting a dialogue" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving, instead of using "opening up a discussion".