a discourse on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discourse on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a discussion or an analysis of a particular subject. For example, "This paper will provide a discourse on the possible effects of climate change on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the time we reach a discourse on satanic killers in California, one hardly bats an eye.

The New York Times - Books

On one of these occasions, Arthur began a discourse on applied Christianity.

Huffington Post

A discourse on Islamist militancy in Africa.

Columbia University

He had even written a discourse on salads.

The Guardian - Arts

Is there room in cyberspace for a discourse on ethics?

The New York Times

Jens Christian Grøndahl's essay Sihaya ti amo was a discourse on Danish Finnish painter Seppo Mattinen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even funnier is a discourse on the increasingly illegible logos of black metal bands.

The New York Times - Arts

"Cunningham," she writes, "was not directly involved with a discourse on line".

The New York Times - Arts

This will not be a discourse on the importance of separating news and opinion.

The New York Times

When Clemens is asked about 300, his answer morphs into a discourse on team goals.

The New York Times - Sports

His talk, a discourse on a biblical verse delivered in Italian, seemed quite short.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "a discussion about" or "an exploration of".

Common error

Avoid using "a discourse on" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "talking about" or "discussing" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discourse on" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing the subject of a formal discussion or analysis. It sets the stage for an in-depth examination, often found in academic or professional contexts. Ludwig indicates its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discourse on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces a formal discussion or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely found in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While highly suitable for formal contexts, remember to opt for less formal alternatives like "a discussion about" in casual settings. Be mindful of its formal tone to avoid sounding pretentious. When you aim for precision and clarity in exploring a subject, "a discourse on" remains a valuable asset in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discussion about

Focuses on a less formal exchange of ideas.

an analysis of

Emphasizes a detailed examination and interpretation.

a treatise on

Implies a more formal and systematic exposition.

an exploration of

Suggests a broad and open-ended investigation.

a commentary on

Indicates a set of explanatory or critical notes on a text.

an examination of

Suggests a careful inspection or scrutiny.

a presentation on

Refers to a formal delivery of information.

a study of

Implies a systematic investigation into a subject.

a consideration of

Suggests a careful thought or deliberation.

an exposition of

Implies a clear and detailed explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "a discourse on" in a sentence?

Use "a discourse on" to introduce a formal discussion or analysis of a topic. For instance, "The lecture provided "a discourse on" the economic impact of globalization".

What are some alternatives to "a discourse on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a discussion about", "an analysis of", or "a treatise on".

Is "a discourse on" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a discourse on" is generally better suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "talking about" or "discussing".

What's the difference between "a discourse on" and "a discussion about"?

"A discourse on" implies a more formal and structured examination of a topic, while "a discussion about" suggests a more casual exchange of ideas.