Have a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Have a discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting or initiating a conversation or dialogue about a specific topic or issue. Example: "Let's have a discussion about the new project proposals during our meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Have a discussion in class about your observations.

The New York Times

Have a discussion instead.

Huffington Post

Have a discussion on what action you can take to improve the situation.

Unicef

Have a discussion with another person.

WikiHow

Have a discussion with your teen.

WikiHow

Have a discussion with your parents about the possibility of you wearing makeup.

WikiHow

"We'll have a discussion.

The New York Times

We should have a discussion.

The Guardian

"Let's have a discussion of them".

The New Yorker

"The four coaches meet together and we have a discussion.

Independent

Don't make them have a discussion about it".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in instructions, use "Have a discussion" to directly encourage dialogue, especially when addressing a group. For example, "Have a discussion with your team to brainstorm new ideas."

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "Have a discussion" in highly formal documents. Alternatives like "Conduct a review" or "Engage in deliberations" may lend a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Have a discussion" is to initiate or suggest an action, specifically a conversational exchange. It serves as a prompt or invitation for dialogue, as Ludwig examples demonstrate, encouraging participants to share their thoughts and ideas on a particular subject. The phrase is versatile, fitting various sentence structures and contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Have a discussion" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to encourage dialogue and interaction. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While "Have a discussion" is considered neutral, it is advisable to choose more formal alternatives like "engage in deliberations" in highly professional environments. Related phrases such as "engage in a conversation" and "hold a dialogue" offer similar meanings, and the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is common in News & Media and Wiki, making it a practical and reliable expression for various communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Engage in a conversation

Replaces "have a" with "engage in a", suggesting a more active participation.

Hold a dialogue

Substitutes "discussion" with "dialogue", emphasizing a two-way exchange.

Conduct a meeting

Replaces "discussion" with "meeting", implying a more structured and formal interaction.

Converse about

Uses the verb "converse" to replace the entire phrase, focusing on the act of talking.

Talk it over

An informal alternative, suggesting a casual discussion to resolve something.

Exchange views

Focuses on the sharing of opinions rather than a general discussion.

Deliberate on

Implies a more thoughtful and careful consideration of a topic.

Consider jointly

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of thinking about something.

Share ideas

Highlights the sharing of thoughts and concepts.

Air opinions

Suggests openly expressing viewpoints, sometimes implying disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "Have a discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "Have a discussion" to suggest a conversation or dialogue about a topic. For example: "Let's "have a discussion" about the project's timeline." or "We should "have a discussion" regarding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "Have a discussion"?

Alternatives include "engage in a conversation", "hold a dialogue", or "conduct a meeting", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is "Have a discussion" formal or informal?

"Have a discussion" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "Engage in deliberations".

What's the difference between "Have a discussion" and "Have a debate"?

"Have a discussion" implies a collaborative exchange of ideas, while "Have a debate" suggests a more competitive exchange where opposing viewpoints are argued.