a big discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase when talking about an important or long-term conversation among two or more people. For example, "The two sides had a big discussion about the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And that's a big discussion, something for another day.

The New York Times

"It's a big discussion at the moment," she nods.

The Guardian - Sport

We showed them designs, information... it was a big discussion.

The Guardian

"This was a big discussion at the board meeting," Gupta replied.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This was a big discussion at a board meeting," Mr. Gupta said to Mr. Rajaratnam.

The New York Times

"And there was a big discussion about the financial benefits for doing this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But that's been noted, and there's a bigger discussion beyond it.

The New York Times

If that triggers a bigger discussion among non-readers, then she has still done something useful and important.

The Guardian - Opinion

While that stumbling should be part of a bigger discussion of whether Jeb thinks he can win the money primary without putting in a lot of work, it also underscores the only immediate pitfall of compressed debates.

The Guardian - Opinion

That remark led to a bigger discussion about decentralized exchanges.

TechCrunch

"We do need to think about how we want tomorrow's society to work but it is a bigger discussion than just smart cities," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big discussion", consider clarifying what specific issues or questions were at the heart of that discussion. This adds depth to your writing, and helps the reader understand the significance of the discussion.

Common error

While versatile, "a big discussion" might sound too informal in highly academic or formal business writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "a comprehensive analysis" or "an extensive deliberation" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big discussion" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as the object of a verb or follows a preposition. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. It denotes a substantive and significant conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big discussion" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a substantial conversation or debate on a particular subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a common expression found across varied sources, especially news and media. Although versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal language when required. Using this analysis, writers can confidently incorporate "a big discussion" in their work while understanding its nuances and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant debate

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the discussion.

a major conversation

Highlights the scale and relevance of the exchange.

an extensive deliberation

Suggests a careful and thorough process of discussing different options.

a considerable exchange

Focuses on the substantial amount of information and opinions shared.

a prolonged negotiation

Indicates a discussion focused on reaching an agreement, often over time.

an in-depth exploration

Highlights that the discussion involved a deep and thorough examination of the topic.

a comprehensive analysis

Indicates the discussion involved a broad and complete examination of the subject matter.

a thorough review

Emphasizes the methodical and detailed nature of the conversation.

a wide-ranging dialogue

Implies a conversation covering many aspects of a subject.

a substantial discourse

Highlights the formality and significance of the exchange.

FAQs

What does "a big discussion" mean?

The phrase "a big discussion" refers to an important or lengthy conversation involving multiple people. It typically signifies that a significant topic is being thoroughly examined or debated.

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

You can use "a big discussion" to describe a detailed conversation, such as, "The board members had "a big discussion" about the company's future strategy."

What are some alternatives to "a big discussion"?

Alternatives to "a big discussion" include "a significant debate", "a major conversation", or "an extensive deliberation" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "a big discussion" formal or informal?

The phrase "a big discussion" is generally considered neutral to informal. While it's acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred for academic or business writing. For instance, consider "a comprehensive analysis" or "an extensive deliberation".