private conversation — conversation not for others
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A talk between two or more people that is meant to be kept secret or not shared with others.
Say it like a native
Textbook They were engaged in a discussion of a confidential and private nature.
Native They were having a private conversation.
'A discussion of a confidential nature' is legalese; 'private conversation' is plain.
Pattern: private conversation (with someone) / have a private conversation
In use
- They stepped outside to have a private conversation.communication
- In my opinion, it's important to respect people's privacy, especially if they are having a private conversation.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Can we have a private conversation in private?
✓ Can we have a private word?
Don't double up — 'a private conversation' or 'a word in private', not both.
Common collocations
a private conversation— a private conversation, have a word, in private, a quiet word
Don't confuse it
A 'public conversation' is open for anyone to hear, while a 'private conversation' is only for the people involved.