start a small talk vs to have small talk

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Start a small talk' is commonly used when initiating a conversation, while 'have small talk' is used to refer to engaging in casual conversation. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1038 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when initiating a conversation.

"start a small talk "

This phrase is used when you want to begin a casual conversation or engage in small talk with someone.

Examples:

Let's start a small talk to break the ice.
I usually start a small talk with my colleagues before meetings.

Show examples from the web [+]

Start off a little small talk, why don't you?
Let's just start again with some small talk, okay?
Let's just start again with some small talk, okay?
Buy a small shop, start a business.
Actually you can start a small business.
Sergeant, get some wood and start a small fire.
Vadim stole enough gunpowder to start a small war.
We wanted to start a small business.
We start a small fire, Then we block all the exits but one.
I asked you to start a small fight that I could handle.
Anyone who attempts to start a new business here has to agree to pay me a small percentage of the gross.
You want to make small talk like Timothy and I do before NCIS starts, at which point a cone of silence is triggered?
so she can run away and start a small business.
Why don't you start a small business?
Who would you rather start a small business with,
Ignore the dislocated shoulder and make small talk.
I was just making small talk.
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.

Alternatives:

initiate small talk
begin a casual conversation

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to engaging in casual conversation.

"to have small talk"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about general topics in a light and informal way.

Examples:

I enjoy having small talk with my neighbors.
We had some small talk before getting down to business.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm sorry, did you want to have small talk?
We don't have to small talk.
We only have to make small talk for... 8 minutes and 45 seconds.
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?
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.

Alternatives:

engage in small talk
chat casually

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start a small talk vs to have small talk