have small talk vs have a small talk

Both phrases are not directly comparable as they have different meanings. 'Have small talk' is the correct phrase, meaning to engage in casual conversation. 'Have a small talk' is incorrect because 'small talk' is an uncountable noun in this context.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1058 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"have small talk"

This phrase means to engage in casual conversation with someone. It is used to describe light, informal discussions.

Examples:

I don't really enjoy having small talk at parties.
Let's have some small talk before we get down to business.
She's great at making small talk with strangers.
Having small talk with colleagues can help build relationships.
I find it hard to engage in small talk with people I don't know well.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm sorry, did you want to have small talk?
We don't have to small talk.
Unfortunately, I have no small talk.
I guess I should have made more small talk about real lawyers Versus Before getting into near-death experiences.
Jo collects them. I thought we could have some nice small talk about it.
We only have to make small talk for... 8 minutes and 45 seconds.
If I'd have known do you think I would have made small talk with her all evening?
I don't have the time for small talk:
Absolutely. Can I put them near the couple that hooked up drunk and now have to make awkward small talk until their cab to the airport arrives?
And he blew my cover. I guess I should have made more small talk about real lawyers
Ignore the dislocated shoulder and make small talk.
I was just making small talk.
Small talk is for small minds.
I had to meet her 70-year-old boyfriend and make small talk.
I can entertain you with my small talk.
That's more awkward than your attempt at small talk.
Better than small talk with Calder.
And thus concludes the small talk.
I'm just making small talk.
I was just seeing what small talk might look like.

This phrase is incorrect in English. 'Small talk' is an uncountable noun and does not require an article before it.

"have a small talk"

Show examples from the web [+]

Ignore the dislocated shoulder and make small talk.
I was just making small talk.
Small talk is for small minds.
I had to meet her 70-year-old boyfriend and make small talk.
I can entertain you with my small talk.
That's more awkward than your attempt at small talk.
Better than small talk with Calder.
And thus concludes the small talk.
I'm just making small talk.
I was just seeing what small talk might look like.
Shut up and cut the small talk.
But anyway, away with such small talk.
You have to spend five minutes greeting the lyaarans then make small talk for an hour.
I think our small talk days are done.
You pour some drinks, you make small talk...
Charlie, you know I hate small talk.
I'm not big on small talk, either.
Lavender and lace and boring small talk.
You can dispense with the insufferable small talk, Jafar.
Small talk until 8:45.

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have small talk vs have a small talk

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