steer the conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"steer the conversation" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written and spoken English.
It is used to talk about someone's ability to influence or direct the topic of conversation. For example: "I think John is a great leader because he knows how to steer the conversation in a productive direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They steer the conversation away.

The Guardian - Books

I steer the conversation to birds.

The Guardian - Travel

He tried to steer the conversation in a different direction.

The New York Times

He can steer the conversation from a bully pulpit.

The New York Times - Sports

"It shows how we can steer the conversation to help the world.

The New York Times

Eventually, I tried to steer the conversation around to September 11th.

The New Yorker

"After a while, I would try to steer the conversation to something else.

The New York Times - Sports

The blogettes steer the conversation into a discussion of how much they all like one another.

The Washington Post

Bring up the topic of failure, and most people steer the conversation back to success.

The Guardian

Vadik made a few attempts to steer the conversation away from real estate.

The New Yorker

If customers take the bait, the drivers try to steer the conversation gently toward 888.com.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "steer the conversation", actively listen to the other participants to find opportune moments for subtle topic adjustments. This keeps the discussion flowing naturally and avoids abrupt changes that can disrupt the conversation.

Common error

Avoid abruptly changing the subject or dominating the conversation. Instead of trying to forcefully "steer the conversation", use gentle transitions and build upon previous statements to guide the discussion in a new direction smoothly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer the conversation" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of guiding or directing a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase, which denotes the ability to influence a discussion's course.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steer the conversation" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the act of influencing the direction of a discussion. Ludwig AI highlights its suitability for many situations, from formal business meetings to casual social interactions. Effective use involves subtly guiding the discussion rather than abruptly changing the subject. Common errors include being too forceful, while best practices involve active listening and gentle transitions. Alternatives like "guide the discussion" or "direct the conversation" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register appropriate for a wide range of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide the discussion

Emphasizes a more gentle and supportive approach to leading the conversation.

direct the discussion

Implies a more assertive and controlled way of influencing the topic.

influence the topic

Highlights the power dynamic in shaping the conversation's direction.

redirect the subject

Focuses on changing the topic to something different.

change the subject

A more direct and less subtle way of shifting the conversation's focus.

control the narrative

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic manipulation of the conversation.

lead the exchange

Focuses on taking the initiative in a dialogue.

shape the dialogue

Indicates a more formative and impactful role in guiding the conversation.

maneuver the discussion

Suggests skillful and tactical redirection of the conversation.

orient the discussion

Implies aligning the conversation with specific goals.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "steer the conversation" in a sentence?

Using "steer the conversation" effectively involves subtly guiding the discussion towards a desired topic or outcome. For example, "During the meeting, she skillfully steered the conversation towards budget allocations".

What are some alternatives to "steer the conversation"?

Alternatives include "guide the discussion", "direct the conversation", or "influence the topic", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "steer the conversation" or "control the conversation"?

"Steer the conversation" implies a more gentle and collaborative approach, while "control the conversation" suggests dominance. The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the other participants. Steering is often more effective in building rapport.

When is it appropriate to "steer the conversation" away from a topic?

It's appropriate to "steer the conversation" away from a topic when it becomes unproductive, offensive, or irrelevant to the current goals. For example, if a discussion turns into a personal argument, you might "steer the conversation" back to the agenda.