“Conversate” and “converse” are terms that often cause confusion due to their similar meanings and uses. While “converse” is a widely accepted term in both formal and informal contexts, “conversate” is considered nonstandard or incorrect by many language experts.
This blog post will clarify the differences between “conversate” and “converse,” provide examples of their usage, and include CEFR insights to aid learners at various levels. We will also cover the noun, verb, and adjective uses of these terms.
What is “converse”?
“Converse” is a standard verb meaning to engage in conversation. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a conversation and as an adjective in formal contexts to describe something related to conversation.
- CEFR Level: B1
“Converse” is introduced at the intermediate level as learners start discussing more abstract concepts and formal language.
Verb Examples of “converse” in sentences:
- They often converse about their hobbies during lunch breaks. (B1)
- Basic example of engaging in conversation.
- She prefers to converse in French when speaking with her friends. (B2)
- More specific context showing language preference.
Noun Examples of “converse” in sentences:
- Their conversation was insightful and engaging. (B2)
- Using “conversation” as a noun to describe a meaningful dialogue.
- The book explores the nature of human converse in different cultures. (C1)
- Formal use of “converse” as a noun in a scholarly context.
Adjective Examples of “converse” in sentences:
- The converse approach to problem-solving involves looking at the issue from a different perspective. (C1)
- Using “converse” as an adjective to describe an alternative method.
- Her converse attitude towards negotiation helped in reaching a consensus. (C2)
- Formal use of “converse” to describe a manner related to conversation.
What is “conversate”?
“Conversate” is a nonstandard verb that is sometimes used instead of “converse” but is generally considered incorrect by language purists. It is not widely accepted in formal writing or speech.
- CEFR Level: N/A
“Conversate” is not recognized in standard language learning contexts and is generally avoided in formal and academic settings.
Examples of “conversate” in sentences:
- They like to conversate about various topics. (Nonstandard)
- Example showing incorrect use.
- I would prefer to converse rather than conversate. (Nonstandard)
- Demonstrates contrast with the correct term “converse.”
Examples for Using "Converse" (Verb)
B1 Level (Intermediate):
- They converse about their favorite books during their study sessions.
- Basic usage in a familiar context.
- We often converse on various topics during our coffee breaks.
- Everyday example showing casual conversation.
B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate):
- During the interview, the candidates were asked to converse about their past experiences.
- More specific and formal context.
- The researchers converse with participants to gather qualitative data.
- Example showing professional use of “converse.”
C1 Level (Advanced):
- In international conferences, experts converse about global challenges and solutions.
- Advanced use in a formal setting.
- The diplomat’s ability to converse effectively in multiple languages facilitated successful negotiations.
- Complex sentence showing proficiency in multiple languages.
Examples for Using "Converse" (Noun)
B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate):
- Their deep converse about cultural differences led to mutual understanding
- Example using “conversation” in a more formal context.
- The book provides examples of meaningful converse in various professional settings.
- Scholarly use of “converse” as a noun.
C1 Level (Advanced):
- The study of human converse reveals patterns of social interaction and communication.
- Advanced usage in academic research.
- The film highlights the significance of sincere converse in building relationships.
- Formal use in cultural analysis
Examples for Using "Converse" (Adjective)
C1 Level (Advanced):
- The converse effects of the policy were observed in both short-term and long-term studies.
- Formal use describing alternative effects.
- Her converse approach to conflict resolution emphasized dialogue and understanding.
- Advanced usage to describe a method or style.
Examples for Using "Conversate"
While “conversate” is not recommended for standard use, here are some examples of how it might incorrectly appear:
Examples of “Conversate” (Verb)
B1 Level (Intermediate):
- They conversate about their weekend plans regularly.
- Incorrect use in an informal context.
- Let’s conversate about how we can improve our project.
- Nonstandard usage in a suggestion.
B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate):
- We need to conversate on this matter before making a final decision.
- Incorrect usage in a formal discussion.
- The group will conversate about the new policies during the meeting.
- Nonstandard use in a professional setting.
C1 Level (Advanced):
- The participants were expected to conversate about the research findings.
- Incorrect usage in an academic context.
- Their intention was to conversate about the strategic direction of the company.
- Nonstandard usage in a high-level discussion.
Key Differences Between "Conversate" and "Converse"
- Conversate: Considered a nonstandard or incorrect term for engaging in conversation. Not recommended for formal writing or speech.
Example: The team should conversate about their strategy. (Incorrect usage) - Converse: A standard term meaning to engage in conversation. It can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective.
Example: Let’s converse about the project details. (Correct usage)
Cathoven’s AI-powered tools can assist teachers and learners in practicing important concepts through real-life scenarios. For example, the Exercise Creator allows you to generate comprehension exercises by simply providing a text. To make it easier, we’ve created an example text for you—just click ‘use example text‘ to get started. Once the text is in place, you can create multiple-choice questions, true/false, and short-answer questions.
Click the “use an example text” below and start creating questions to measure your students’ understanding of conversate and converse!
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Frequently Asked Questions about "To" vs "Too"
"Conversate" is a nonstandard term that should be replaced with "converse."
"Converse" means to engage in conversation and can also be used as a noun or adjective.
Use "converse" as the correct term for talking or discussions. Avoid "conversate," as it is considered incorrect.
