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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we're having a conversation
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(19)
we are discussing
we're speaking
we are talking
we are in conversation
we're communicating
we're conversing
we are listening
we are speaking
we are communicating
as we speak
we're addressing
at the moment of speaking
we're talking
the subject is
this relates to
the focus is on
this involves
this concerns
we are chatting
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
We're having a conversation about whether this would work.
News & Media
"We're having a conversation, and I'm telling you what I feel and think".
News & Media
We're having a conversation here!" To which he receives only infuriating silence.
News & Media
We're having a conversation over here, and if you yell at us about it, then you're the spoiler.
News & Media
"We're having a conversation about potentially razing the whole field and then having a dance party past curfew".
News & Media
Now we're having a conversation about how phony all the people are who do kiss on both cheeks.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
In each case, we are often not just trading media, we are having a conversation.
News & Media
"I remember we were having a conversation as we skied, but Donna was skiing backward as we talked," Caroline Weinbrecht said.
News & Media
"We were having a conversation in a kitchen, and I don't know how he worded it: He said the devil is after him".
News & Media
The most stunning element was the vocal performance of the late Carl Wilson: so fresh and intimate that it seized my attention as though we were having a conversation.
News & Media
"We were having a conversation about whether we were happy, and as he asked the question, I was surprised to find that I said, 'Not particularly,' " said Mr. Curtis, a still boyish 56.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use this phrase to emphasize the ongoing nature of an interaction or to set boundaries when interrupted. It serves as a polite reminder of active engagement.
Common error
Avoid using this phrase when the interaction is static or one-sided. Ensure the present continuous tense aligns with the actual real-time status of the dialogue to maintain clarity.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we're having a conversation" functions as a present continuous clause where "we" is the subject and "are having" is the auxiliary-plus-participle verb structure. It indicates an ongoing, active state of verbal interaction. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it is often used to characterize the nature of a meeting or to defend the social space of the participants.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Formal & Business
10%
Science
5%
Less common in
Academia
3%
Social Media
2%
Wiki
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "we're having a conversation" is a versatile and common English expression used to denote active verbal participation. Analysis from Ludwig AI shows that it is exceptionally prevalent in high-quality journalism, particularly when framing political or social discussions. It successfully balances a friendly tone with professional clarity, making it an ideal choice for both personal and business communications. Whether used literally to describe a current talk or figuratively to signify that a broader social issue is being addressed, it remains a pillar of clear, contemporary English.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we are talking
Uses the more direct verb without the contraction, making it slightly more emphatic
we are in conversation
A more literary or formal way to describe the state of talking
we are discussing
Implies a more focused or objective-oriented exchange than a general conversation
we're speaking
Focuses on the act of vocalization rather than the exchange of ideas
we are in a dialogue
Suggests a more structured or formal exchange of ideas
we're exchanging views
Highlights the reciprocal nature of the opinions being shared
we're chatting
Significantly more informal and casual in tone
we're having a chat
British-inflected and suggests a brief, lighthearted interaction
we are conferring
Indicates a professional or serious consultation between parties
we're communicating
A broader term that could include non-verbal or technical channels
FAQs
How to use "we're having a conversation" in a sentence?
You can use it to define an ongoing interaction, for example: "I think it is important that we're having a conversation about these issues right now".
What can I say instead of "we're having a conversation"?
Depending on the tone, you could use "we are discussing", "we're chatting" or "we're speaking".
Which is correct, "we're having a conversation" or "we're having a talk"?
Both are correct, but "we're having a talk" often implies a more serious, one-off, or lecture-style interaction, whereas a conversation is typically more balanced and ongoing.
Is "we're having a conversation" appropriate for formal writing?
It is neutral and widely accepted in journalism and business. For highly academic contexts, you might prefer "we are engaged in a dialogue".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested