hold a conversation

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to have and keep a conversation going with someone, especially for a period of time

   Grammar: Used with 'with someone' or 'about something': hold a conversation with a friend.

   Patterns

   • hold a conversation with someone
   • hold a conversation about something

   At the party, I found it hard to hold a conversation with anyone because the music was so loud.

   She can hold a conversation in three languages.

   We held a long conversation about our plans for the summer.

Common combinations

hold a conversation with someone

He held a conversation with the taxi driver about the weather.

hold a conversation about something

They held a conversation about politics without arguing.

hold a long conversation

We held a long conversation on the phone last night.

hold a conversation in a language

Can you hold a conversation in Spanish?

Synonyms and how they differ

have a conversation

This is the more common and general phrase; 'hold a conversation' often emphasizes the ability to keep it going.

carry on a conversation

This suggests continuing a conversation that is already happening, while 'hold' focuses on the act of having it.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “hold a conversation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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