a discussion paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discussion paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a document that presents a topic for discussion, often in an academic or professional context. Example: "The committee has prepared a discussion paper to outline the key issues related to climate change policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A discussion paper on his plans closes on Monday.

The Guardian

This is the question addressed in a discussion paper published by Oxfam on Monday.

The Guardian

The plans announced on Tuesday were originally outlined in a discussion paper in 2015.

The Guardian - Money

And there is a discussion paper called "The North East: Bohemian or Behemoth?".

The Guardian - Business

Having issued a discussion paper last autumn, Cable now proposes a consultation.

The Guardian - Business

This will begin with the release of a discussion paper for community feedback on Tuesday.

The Guardian

The FSA will publish a discussion paper on the options in the new year.

Independent

Last November America's Treasury published a discussion paper on the tax implications of electronic commerce.

The Economist

The government is soon to release a discussion paper on how it will set its post-2020 emissions reduction target.

The Guardian

The issue of stripping citizenship rights from second generation Australians has now been included in a "discussion paper".

The Guardian

'Demonisation: a major issue for society,' began a discussion paper produced by 11million.org.uk, Sir Al's website for children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a discussion paper" to introduce topics that require further examination or debate, fostering open dialogue and encouraging diverse perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a discussion paper" interchangeably with more formal documents like "white papers" or "research papers". "A discussion paper" is specifically designed to invite feedback and stimulate conversation, whereas other paper types present finalized findings or recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discussion paper" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of document intended to stimulate debate and gather feedback on a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discussion paper" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to a document intended to initiate discussion and gather feedback on a specific topic. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business settings. While often neutral to professional in tone, it's important not to confuse "a discussion paper" with more conclusive documents like white papers or research papers. Alternatives such as "a consultation paper" or "a position paper" can be used depending on the specific intent and context. By understanding its proper usage and purpose, you can effectively utilize "a discussion paper" to foster productive dialogues and informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consultation paper

Emphasizes seeking input and feedback; more focused on gathering opinions.

a position paper

Presents a specific viewpoint or stance on an issue; more assertive.

a white paper

Often more formal and comprehensive, presenting in-depth analysis and solutions.

a briefing paper

Provides a concise overview of an issue, often for decision-makers.

a research paper

Focuses on presenting original research findings and analysis.

a working paper

An unpublished paper often circulated for comment before formal publication.

an opinion piece

Expresses a personal opinion or perspective on a particular topic.

a thought piece

Explores a concept or idea in a reflective and analytical manner.

a report

General term for a document presenting information or findings.

a study

A detailed investigation or analysis of a specific topic.

FAQs

How is "a discussion paper" different from a research paper?

While both involve analysis, "a discussion paper" presents ideas for debate, whereas a research paper typically presents original findings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a discussion paper"?

Use "a discussion paper" when you want to introduce a topic for open conversation and invite feedback, rather than presenting definitive conclusions.

What are some alternatives to "a discussion paper"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "a consultation paper", "a position paper", or "a briefing paper".

What's the typical format of "a discussion paper"?

There isn't a strict format, but "a discussion paper" generally includes an introduction, background information, key issues, potential solutions, and questions for consideration.