Let's make a small talk vs Let's make the small talk

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Let's make small talk' is the more common and natural expression, while 'Let's make the small talk' is less common and might imply a specific, known conversation. The choice between them depends on the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1422 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Let's make a small talk"

This phrase is used to suggest engaging in casual conversation or chit-chat with someone. It is a common expression in social settings or when trying to break the ice.

Examples:

Let's make small talk before the meeting starts.
I'm not good at making small talk at parties.
Making small talk with strangers can be challenging.
She's great at making small talk with new acquaintances.
We need to make small talk to keep the conversation going.

Show examples from the web [+]

Let's just skip the small talk and get upstairs.
But let's think about this. How can you make a small number of neurons do a lot?
Let's dispense with the small talk and get to what promises to be a problem.
Let's just cut the small talk, all right?
Let's skip the small talk, shall we?
Let's not quarrel over such a small matter.
Now, we just make a small incision in his shoulder.
I can actually make a small contribution to the world.
- I'd like to make a small contribution.
In fact, if you'd like to make a small wager...
But before I do, I wish to make a small contribution.
And here we can make a small house for the cat.
Now, I make a small but tidy living renting rooms.
I'd like to make a small incision.
I'm asking you to make a small effort for Master.
Imagine you can have everybody make a small donation for one pixel.
Let me make a small point about the appointment of Commissioners.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to make a small request.
I wish to ask you a question and perhaps make a small suggestion.
The Common Position only makes a small step towards the Parliament.

Alternatives:

Let's engage in small talk.
Let's chat casually.
Let's have a light conversation.
Let's make some small talk.
Let's talk about random things.

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"Let's make the small talk"

This phrase could be used when referring to a specific, known conversation that is considered 'the small talk.' It might imply a pre-established or expected dialogue.

Show examples from the web [+]

Let's just skip the small talk and get upstairs.
Let's dispense with the small talk and get to what promises to be a problem.
Let's just cut the small talk, all right?
Let's skip the small talk, shall we?
Let's fast forward through the small talk.
Please. Let's dispense with the small talk, shall we?
Maybe we should save the small talk till after the gunfight.
Sure, you can stick to the small talk and pretend it's not there, but sooner or later...
Skip the small talk, Mack.
The small talk, the body parts.
Easy on the small talk, Matt.
I just couldn't handle the small talk.
Skip the small talk and get down to business.
Cut the small talk. I'm not interested.
Cut the small talk and pour.
Quit the small talk, Humphrey.
You can skip the small talk, Castle.
Sorry, I just can't keep up the small talk.
I'm just rolling with the small talk.
And thus concludes the small talk.

Alternatives:

Let's engage in the small talk.
Let's have the small talk.
Let's get into the small talk.
Let's start the small talk.
Let's initiate the small talk.

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Let's make a small talk vs Let's make the small talk