a discussion that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discussion that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific topic or aspect of a discussion that is being referenced or elaborated upon. Example: "We had a discussion that focused on the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It has become 'old world' to discuss ethics in journalism, but it's a discussion that needs to happen.

Huffington Post

Should the decision be overturned in court, then it's a discussion that can be reopened.

Independent

"This isn't a discussion that is playing out at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a discussion that is long needed and happening at a very wide level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of possibly even changing things because you're no longer part of a discussion that might?

The Guardian - Books

"These are critical issues, and it's a discussion that needs to happen".

The New York Times

This is not a discussion that needs to stay in the boardroom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Either way, it sounds like a discussion that won't be taking place at Peking University.

The Guardian

Activists say Ms. Filali's case has launched a discussion that was once unthinkable in Morocco.

The New York Times

The bill represents the very beginning of a discussion that will last years, policymakers say.

The New York Times

"I think we have to have a discussion that includes Hamas..

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a discussion that", ensure the following verb accurately reflects the nature of the discussion (e.g., "a discussion that ensued", "a discussion that clarified", "a discussion that stalled").

Common error

Avoid using "a discussion that was had" as it's often wordier and less direct than active alternatives. Instead, try "a discussion that we had" or "the discussion we had".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discussion that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies the type of discussion being referred to, allowing for further elaboration or description of its characteristics or content. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discussion that" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce relative clauses that specify the nature or topic of a discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a conversation that" for informal settings or "a deliberation that" for more formal contexts. Avoid overusing passive voice constructions for clearer and more direct writing. Remember to use this phrase to introduce a specific aspect of a broader conversation or exchange of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conversation that

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", suggesting a more informal exchange.

a dialogue that

Uses "dialogue" instead of "discussion", implying a more structured and purposeful exchange.

a consultation that

Employs "consultation" to denote a discussion focused on seeking advice or expertise.

a debate that

Substitutes "discussion" with "debate", indicating a more argumentative exchange with opposing viewpoints.

a discourse that

Replaces "discussion" with "discourse", suggesting a more formal and extended conversation.

an exchange that

Uses "exchange" to emphasize the back-and-forth nature of the discussion.

a negotiation that

Replaces "discussion" with "negotiation", implying an attempt to reach an agreement.

a conference that

Uses "conference" to suggest a formal meeting for discussion.

a deliberation that

Replaces "discussion" with "deliberation", implying a careful and thoughtful consideration.

a meeting that

Uses "meeting" to indicate a gathering for discussion, often in a professional context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a discussion that" to introduce a clause describing a specific aspect or focus of a conversation. For example, "We had "a discussion that" centered on budget cuts."

What's a more formal way to say "a discussion that"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "a discourse that" or "a deliberation that", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Are "a discussion that" and "a conversation that" interchangeable?

While similar, "a conversation that" often implies a more informal and casual exchange, whereas "a discussion that" can refer to more structured or serious exchanges.

What are some alternatives to "a discussion that" to emphasize different aspects of the interaction?

Depending on the context, you could use "a debate that" to emphasize opposing viewpoints, "a consultation that" to highlight seeking advice, or "a negotiation that" to focus on reaching an agreement.