to chat

USAGE SUMMARY

"to chat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation between two or more people, either in person or online. For example, "I had a chance to chat with my friend about their new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I love to chat.

The New York Times

They stop to chat.

The New Yorker

We began to chat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others stopped to chat.

The New York Times

Just to chat.

The New York Times

Passersby stopped to chat.

The New Yorker

They stopped to chat.

The New Yorker

She stops to chat.

The New York Times

The steward came by to chat.

The New Yorker

I really don't want to chat.

Independent

Sorry, love to chat, but — Article 41.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to chat" when you want to convey a sense of informality and ease in a conversation. It's suitable for describing friendly interactions and casual discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "to chat" in formal or professional writing where a more serious or official tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "to discuss" or "to converse" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to chat" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of engaging in informal conversation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s a correct and usable English phrase. Examples show its use in expressing intent or purpose, such as "stopped to chat."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to chat" is a very common infinitive phrase used to describe engaging in informal conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, primarily informal ones. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in formal settings, where alternatives like "to discuss" might be more appropriate. Its prevalence in sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance in contemporary English. Remember that it aims to facilitate building rapport and is more casual than formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to talk casually

This alternative emphasizes the informal nature of the conversation.

to have a conversation

This alternative is a more explicit and neutral way of describing the act of talking.

to converse

This alternative implies a more formal or extended conversation than "to chat".

to have a gab

This alternative is more informal and suggests light-hearted, often lengthy, conversation.

to shoot the breeze

This alternative idiomatically suggests a relaxed and aimless conversation.

to chew the fat

Similar to "shoot the breeze", this idiom implies a leisurely and informal discussion.

to engage in small talk

This alternative specifies the kind of light, superficial conversation often had between strangers or acquaintances.

to connect

This alternative is a broader term that can include conversation but also encompasses other forms of interaction.

to exchange words

This is a more formal or neutral way of saying to talk.

to pass the time in conversation

This alternative suggests that the conversation is primarily a way to fill time.

FAQs

How can I use "to chat" in a sentence?

You can use "to chat" in sentences like "I'd like "to chat" with you about the project" or "She stopped by "to chat" with her neighbor".

What are some alternatives to "to chat"?

Some alternatives include "to converse", "to have a conversation", or "to talk casually", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "to chat" appropriate for formal writing?

While "to chat" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "to discuss" or "to confer".

What is the difference between "to chat" and "to gossip"?

"To chat" implies a friendly and general conversation, while "to gossip" suggests talking about other people's private affairs, often in a negative way. The context and intent behind the conversation differentiate the two.