a discussion has started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discussion has started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a conversation or dialogue on a particular topic has begun. Example: "After the presentation, a discussion has started about the implications of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A discussion has started whether bacteria can find use as new types of whole-cell diagnostic devices since single-chain antibodies and other type of tailor-made binding proteins can be displayed on bacteria.

Journal of Biotechnology

Recently, a discussion has started between the charity Homeless Link and the north London charity Resources for Autism about the possibility that a significant number of autistic men and women are homeless, whose specific needs are going undetected by the authorities and support services.

Vice

Recently, a discussion has started between the charity Homeless Link and the north London charity Resources for Autism about the possibility that there could be a significant number of autistic men and women sleeping rough, whose specific needs are going undetected by the authorities and support services.

Vice

Presentation of the first sequence: A discussion has started between two participants within the brainstorming phase.

BMC Medical Education

But, only recently a discussion has started about the right way to use CTC measurements for risk assessments [ 19, 20].

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Due to its widespread acceptance the CCM has achieved, an intense discussion has started among European physicians if and how the CCM or its components can be implemented in health care [ 7, 8].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Due to decreasing financing resources and the potential effectiveness and efficiency of a primary care centred system, an intense political discussion has started on the gate keeper role of the GP for access to hospital care in Germany [ 4].

BMC Health Services Research

The discussion has started on a new approach.

Huffington Post

Significantly, discussion has started about a reform of countries' funding schemes [26].

Plosone

It will take a bit longer but it's good that the discussion has started".

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The discussion has started to spread to other cities as well.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a discussion has started" to clearly indicate the commencement of a conversation or debate, especially when emphasizing the initiation of the dialogue is important.

Common error

Avoid using "begun" instead of "started" unless you intend to convey a more formal or literary tone. While both are grammatically correct, "started" is generally more common and less formal in contemporary English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discussion has started" functions as an introductory phrase, indicating the commencement of a dialogue or conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It sets the stage for further information about the topic or nature of the discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a discussion has started" is a grammatically correct and usable way to indicate the commencement of a conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of situations. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "dialogue has been initiated" may be preferred. Remember to clearly convey the initiation of a dialogue by choosing the most appropriate alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conversation has begun

Replaces "discussion" with the more general term "conversation", and "started" with "begun".

talks have commenced

Uses "talks" to refer to the discussion and "commenced" to indicate its start, implying a more formal setting.

dialogue has been initiated

Employs "dialogue" for a structured discussion and "initiated" to emphasize the active beginning of the conversation.

a debate has been sparked

Suggests a more contentious or argumentative discussion, using "sparked" to imply a sudden or energetic beginning.

an exchange has unfolded

Conveys a gradual development of the discussion, highlighting the interactive nature of the exchange.

consideration is underway

Suggests that a topic is being carefully and thoughtfully discussed.

the matter is under discussion

Focuses on the subject being discussed rather than the beginning of the discussion itself.

the topic is being addressed

Indicates that the topic is now receiving attention and is being talked about.

the matter is being deliberated

Implies a formal and careful consideration of the issue at hand.

the subject is up for debate

Highlights the openness of the topic to different opinions and arguments.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "a discussion has started"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "dialogue has been initiated" or "talks have commenced".

How can I emphasize the suddenness of the discussion's start?

To emphasize a sudden or energetic beginning, consider using "a debate has been sparked". This implies a more contentious or argumentative discussion that ignited quickly.

Is "a discussion has begun" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a discussion has begun" is grammatically correct and very similar in meaning to "a discussion has started". However, "started" is often perceived as less formal than "begun".

When should I use "a discussion has started"?

Use "a discussion has started" when you want to clearly indicate that a conversation or debate on a particular topic has just commenced. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives may be preferred for highly formal situations.