sustained conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

'sustained conversation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a conversation between two or more parties which is long and involves the exchange of ideas, opinions and other topics of discussion. Example: The long-running sustained conversation between the two friends shed light onto the nuances of their relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The exchange of a few daily pleasantries will be permitted, although sustained conversation will be banned.

The New Yorker

Only smatters of information come through, and no sustained conversation about what matters most.

The New York Times

"Star Jones" has to rely mostly on its star for her comeback, and sustained conversation is not her strong suit.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't eat a meal like this with a passing acquaintance since you'll be together for hours, but you can't go with somebody you really want to talk to, either, since there's little time between courses for sustained conversation.

The New York Times - Food

"Theoretically, it is possible to have a serious, sustained conversation on BumpList," said Michael Paulukonis, a technology professional in Scranton, Pa., who is a BumpList member, by e-mail.

The New York Times - Tech

Aides outlining the plan conceded that they were looking to start a "more sustained conversation" with Congress on closing Guantánamo, rather than adopting any new tool out of the morass.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Along the way, teachers should spend time each day having sustained conversations with small groups of children.

The New York Times

But most importantly of all, between the bias and the bullying, sustained conversations about reform cannot find any fertile ground.

The Guardian

Without TV, we had actual sustained conversations.

Huffington Post

Let's have serious and sustained conversations about how we are living.

Huffington Post

Watch others who initiate and sustain conversation and make acquaintances with people around them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster deep understanding or resolve complex issues, actively encourage a "sustained conversation". This involves creating a safe space where all participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and perspectives over an extended period.

Common error

Avoid mistaking a short exchange for a "sustained conversation". Ensure sufficient time and opportunity for all participants to thoroughly explore the topic and share their views. A quick chat is not a "sustained conversation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sustained" modifies the noun "conversation". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase describes a conversation that is extended, continuous, and in-depth. Examples found in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustained conversation" is a valid and frequently used expression in English to describe a prolonged, in-depth discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it emphasizes the significance of ongoing dialogue for understanding and resolution. When aiming for alternatives, consider "prolonged dialogue" or "lengthy discussion" to convey similar nuances. Remember that a genuine "sustained conversation" necessitates time, focus, and a safe space for open exchange, differentiating it from brief exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustained dialogue

Swaps "conversation" with "dialogue", emphasizing a more formal exchange.

prolonged dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue" emphasizing a formal exchange, and "sustained" with "prolonged", focusing on the duration.

lengthy discussion

Substitutes "conversation" with "discussion", highlighting the exchange of ideas, and "sustained" with "lengthy", underscoring duration.

ongoing exchange

Uses "exchange" instead of "conversation", emphasizing the reciprocal sharing of information, and "ongoing" for "sustained", indicating continuity.

continuous discourse

Employs "discourse" instead of "conversation", indicating a formal and structured exchange of ideas, and "continuous" for "sustained", highlighting uninterrupted flow.

extended communication

Replaces "conversation" with "communication", broadening the scope to any form of exchange, and "sustained" with "extended", emphasizing the duration.

in-depth discussion

Focuses on the depth and detail of the discussion, rather than its length.

long-lasting conversation

Uses "long-lasting" to highlight the enduring quality of the conversation.

uninterrupted dialogue

Emphasizes the absence of interruptions in the dialogue, focusing on continuity.

long-term discussion

Highlights the extended period over which the discussion takes place.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "sustained conversation" to describe a long and in-depth discussion, for example: "The issue requires a "sustained conversation" among all stakeholders to find a viable solution."

What's a good alternative to "sustained conversation"?

Alternatives to "sustained conversation" include phrases like "prolonged dialogue", "lengthy discussion", or "ongoing exchange", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "sustained conversation" imply?

A "sustained conversation" implies a discussion that is not only long but also continuous and in-depth. It suggests that the participants are actively engaged in exploring the topic over an extended period.

How is a "sustained conversation" different from a regular conversation?

A "sustained conversation" differs from a regular conversation in its length, depth, and focus. While a regular conversation might be brief and cover various topics, a "sustained conversation" is typically longer, more focused, and aims for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It is more akin to a prolonged dialogue or a lengthy discussion.