Part of a conversation vs Section

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Part of a conversation

Top 2,000 (common)

Section

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Section
 Part of a conversationSection
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //pɑːt əv ə ˌkənˈvɜːseɪʃən//🇺🇸 //pɑrt əv ə ˌkənˈveɪrseɪʃən//🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/
MeaningA part of talking with someone.A part of something, like a piece of a whole.
ExampleDuring our meeting, a part of the conversation focused on future plans.Please complete the form and sign in the designated section.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A1
Part of speechnoun
Collocationspart of a discussion, part of an exchange, part of the dialogueopening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/​the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/​the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/​the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/​the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/​the section, in sections, under section, a section of society
Antonyms-whole, entirety
Common mistakesConfused with 'piece of a conversation' - 'part' is more common., Using 'parts' incorrectly – it’s usually singular or referred to as a segment., 'Part of conversation' is incorrect; always use 'a conversation'.Using 'section' instead of 'segment' in the context of a physical object., Confusing 'section' with 'sectional' when describing furniture., Adding unnecessary plural forms like 'sections' when referring to a single part.
Usage notesUse this phrase to refer to a segment of dialogue. It's suitable in both casual and formal contexts.Use 'section' when referring to a distinct part of a whole, such as a chapter in a book or a part of a document. Avoid using it in contexts where a more specific term could be clearer.

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Part of a conversation

Frequently asked questions: Part of a conversation vs Section

What's the difference between Part of a conversation and Section?

Part of a conversation: A part of talking with someone. Section: A part of something, like a piece of a whole.

Which is more common: Part of a conversation and Section?

Section is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Part of a conversation: During our meeting, a part of the conversation focused on future plans. Section: Please complete the form and sign in the designated section.

Can I use Part of a conversation and Section interchangeably?

Not always. Part of a conversation and Section are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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