the interlocutor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the interlocutor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. Example: "During the debate, the interlocutor presented compelling arguments that challenged the opposing viewpoint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The interlocutor shouted the question.

The New Yorker

I am the interlocutor tonight.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1956, the interlocutor was Richard D. Heffner.

The New Yorker

How do I handle this? 'Do you recognise him?' asks the interlocutor.

The Guardian

"He wants to know what you can tell him about the violence!" the interlocutor repeated.

The New Yorker

"You don't admit that there was something compulsive about your womanizing?" asks the interlocutor.

The New York Times - Books

He was also the "interlocutor" between Mr L Foscale and the BNL trust companies.

The Economist

As the conversation dragged on, though, I became the interlocutor eager to be on his way.

The New Yorker

John Cullum, the lone white actor, is the interlocutor, who directs the action onstage.

The New York Times

The narrator is the interlocutor between the play world and our world.

The New Yorker

"It is almost inevitable that the interlocutor become a celebrity, too," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the interlocutor" when you specifically want to emphasize the role of someone actively participating in a conversation or dialogue, particularly in formal or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the interlocutor" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "the speaker" or "the conversational partner" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the phrase "the interlocutor" is to identify a specific participant in a conversation or dialogue. It's often used to highlight someone's role in an exchange, as shown in Ludwig's examples where "the interlocutor" poses questions or directs the flow of discussion. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the interlocutor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly in formal contexts such as news media, science, and encyclopedic entries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It denotes a participant in a conversation, often with emphasis on their role in questioning or directing the dialogue. While "the interlocutor" is acceptable, remember that synonyms such as "speaker", "participant", or "conversational partner" are often more suitable for informal conversations. Use "the interlocutor" when you want to highlight someone's active engagement in a formal exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the interviewer

This term specifies a role where someone asks questions, focusing on information gathering.

the speaker

This term generally refers to someone who is speaking, less specific than "the interlocutor".

the representative

This term highlights someone acting on behalf of a group or organization in a discussion.

the spokesperson

This term refers to someone who officially speaks for an organization.

the negotiator

This term applies when someone is engaged in discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

the addressee

This term refers to the person to whom something is directed or spoken.

the confidant

This term implies a close and trusted relationship where private matters are discussed.

the contact

This term is a general way to refer to someone who facilitates communication or provides information.

the axis

This term refers to the center of conversation.

the peer

This term refers to someone who is on equal footing.

FAQs

How to use "the interlocutor" in a sentence?

Use "the interlocutor" to refer to someone participating in a conversation or dialogue. For example, "The researcher interviewed several interlocutors to gather diverse perspectives on the topic."

What can I say instead of "the interlocutor"?

You can use alternatives like "the speaker", "the conversational partner", or "the participant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the interlocutor" or "the interloctor"?

"The interlocutor" is the correct spelling. "The interloctor" is a misspelling.

What's the difference between "the interlocutor" and "the interviewer"?

"The interlocutor" refers to anyone participating in a dialogue, while "the interviewer" specifically denotes someone who is asking questions.