In-depth discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In-depth discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a thorough and detailed conversation or analysis on a particular topic. Example: "The conference will feature an in-depth discussion on climate change and its global impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In-depth discussion of the findings regarding white coat is available elsewhere [ 39].

BMC Health Services Research

Read an in-depth discussion of metabolism.

Britannica

We haven't had a lot of in-depth discussion".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a substantive, in-depth discussion with our conference".

The New Yorker

See Supplementary Methods for an in-depth discussion.

Nature

(For a more in-depth discussion, see sound).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It was a substantive, in-depth discussion with our conference, and he's very effective".

The New York Times

We had an in-depth discussion about gender and career choices.

Harvard Business Review

The local parent-teacher association always had an in-depth discussion over what to include.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though they tend to be relatively infrequent, they require time for in-depth discussion.

Harvard Business Review

Five or six minutes is too short for an in-depth discussion.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and conciseness, ensure the "in-depth" aspect genuinely adds value. If a simpler "detailed discussion" suffices, opt for the latter.

Common error

Avoid using "in-depth discussion" when a simpler term like "discussion" or "analysis" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In-depth discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the nature of a conversation or analysis, emphasizing its thoroughness and detail. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "In-depth discussion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a thorough and detailed exploration of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to ensure that the "in-depth" aspect is genuinely warranted to avoid unnecessary verbosity. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives like "thorough discussion" or "detailed analysis", you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In-depth analysis

This phrase is very similar, but emphasizes the analytical aspect more than the conversational.

Thorough discussion

Replaces "in-depth" with "thorough", emphasizing completeness rather than depth.

Comprehensive discussion

Focuses on the completeness and all-encompassing nature of the conversation.

Detailed analysis

Shifts the focus from conversation to a more structured examination of a topic.

Comprehensive examination

Highlights the broad scope and thoroughness of the investigation.

Extensive analysis

Emphasizes the breadth and reach of the analytical process.

Profound conversation

Suggests a discussion that is intellectually stimulating and insightful.

Elaborate discourse

Indicates a formal and highly detailed exchange of ideas.

Scrutinizing debate

Implies a critical and rigorous discussion with careful examination of details.

Incisive examination

Conveys a sharp and penetrating analysis that reveals key insights.

FAQs

How can I use "In-depth discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "in-depth discussion" to describe a thorough and detailed conversation or analysis of a topic. For example, "The conference featured an "in-depth discussion" on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "In-depth discussion"?

Some alternatives include "thorough discussion", "detailed analysis", or "comprehensive examination", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "In-depth discussion" versus "brief discussion"?

"In-depth discussion" is appropriate when the conversation or analysis is detailed and thorough. "Brief discussion" is suitable when the conversation is short and less detailed.

Is "In-depth discussion" formal or informal?

"In-depth discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly used in professional and academic settings. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.