Cool MateDiscuss vs Make conversation
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discuss
Top 2,000 (common)A1verb
Make conversation
Top 2,000 (common)
| Discuss | Make conversation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskʌs/","/dɪˈskʌsɪz/","/dɪˈskʌst/","/dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskʌs/","/dɪˈskʌsɪz/","/dɪˈskʌst/","/dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən//🇺🇸 //meɪk ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən// |
| Meaning | To talk about something with others. | To talk with someone. |
| Example | Let's discuss the details of the project in the meeting. | They tried to make conversation to fill the awkward silence. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | exhaustively, fully, in detail, convene (something) to, meet to, want to, with, as discussed, a forum to discuss something, have something to discuss, exhaustively, fully, in detail, convene (something) to, meet to, want to, with, as discussed, a forum to discuss something, have something to discuss | make small talk, make good conversation, make interesting conversation, make polite conversation, make awkward conversation |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect, overlook | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'discuss' without an object, e.g., saying 'We will discuss' instead of 'We will discuss the topic'., Confusing with 'disclosure' which is related to revealing information, not talking about it., Misusing in passive voice, e.g., 'The topic was discussed by us' is awkward; prefer active voice. | Confused with 'have a conversation' - 'make conversation' is for light talk., Using inappropriately in formal emails., Thinking it only means serious discussions. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written contexts. Appropriate for academic, business, and casual conversations. Avoid in very casual contexts where simpler terms like 'talk about' might be preferred. | Used in both formal and informal settings. Prefer 'make conversation' in social situations to suggest small talk. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discuss vs Make conversation
What's the difference between Discuss and Make conversation?
Discuss: To talk about something with others. Make conversation: To talk with someone.
Can you show an example of each?
Discuss: Let's discuss the details of the project in the meeting. Make conversation: They tried to make conversation to fill the awkward silence.
Can I use Discuss and Make conversation interchangeably?
Not always. Discuss and Make conversation are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.