a fair discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or debate that is balanced, impartial, and considers multiple viewpoints. Example: "In order to reach a consensus, we need to have a fair discussion about the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is inevitable that some works will be political in nature, but then the idea is to engage in a conversation that allows for a fair discussion".

The New York Times - Arts

David W. Dunlap's fine article on the giant wall advertisements ("Your Ad Here" April 16) was a fair discussion of the advertising controversy.

The New York Times

But once it became clear police and housing officials would not discuss stop and frisks, she decided to split it into two hearings to give the other broader initiatives a fair discussion.

The New York Times

But a fair discussion would also include flaws: too little chimichurri sauce on the grilled skirt steak; a paella in which the dominant flavors seemed to be those of pimentos and peas, and a pan-seared mahi-mahi served in a mix of onions and tomatoes — the only sauce on the menu that could be described as lackluster.

The New York Times

When we have been challenged about "taking sides" and "politicising the church" – which is a fair discussion to have – we are clear that we are not "pro" one side or another but we are instead campaigning for equal human rights for all people regardless of ethnicity or background.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether you support his presidency or not is a fair discussion to have.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A fairer discussion of earlier results and a more modest presentation of the new results are in place.

eLife

But in jury rooms that had round tables, they felt like a more fair discussion ensued and perhaps a more fair verdict was rendered, so they're very excited and they make their big pitch at the end of the semester to the head judge about getting these round tables.

Forbes

Looking at the question of pay comparability more generally, DiSalvo has a largely fair discussion of the literature on the topic.

Huffington Post

At some future period I will gladly avail myself of an opportunity to give this subject a full and fair discussion.

Huffington Post

Should America go to war to topple Mr. Hussein, then public support requires a full and fair discussion of the evidence against the Iraqi leader, the critics say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impartiality in your writing or facilitating conversations, use "a fair discussion" to signal an intent to consider all viewpoints without bias. This encourages trust and inclusiveness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a fair discussion" means the topic will be simple or that all participants will agree. It simply ensures that all perspectives are respectfully heard and considered, even if disagreements persist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'fair' modifies the noun 'discussion'. It's used to describe a type of conversation or exchange that is impartial and equitable. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fair discussion" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an impartial and balanced conversation. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academic settings. When using this phrase, remember that "fair" signifies an intent to consider all perspectives, not necessarily an agreement on all points. For alternative phrasing, consider "an impartial debate" or "a balanced conversation" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impartial debate

Focuses on the unbiased nature of the debate.

a balanced conversation

Highlights the equilibrium and consideration of different viewpoints.

an unbiased exchange

Emphasizes the lack of prejudice in the exchange of ideas.

a level playing field for debate

Emphasizes equal opportunities for all participants to voice their opinions.

an objective dialogue

Stresses the factual and neutral approach to the dialogue.

a reasonable exchange of views

Highlights the rationality and thoughtfulness of the conversation.

an equitable deliberation

Focuses on fairness and justice in the deliberation process.

an open-minded conversation

Underscores the willingness to consider diverse perspectives.

a just discussion

Emphasizes the ethical and moral dimensions of the discussion.

a candid exchange

Highlights the frankness and honesty of the exchange.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fair discussion" to describe a balanced exchange of ideas, as in, "The mediator ensured "a fair discussion" took place between the parties."

What's the difference between "a fair discussion" and "a biased discussion"?

While "a fair discussion" implies impartiality and equal opportunity for all viewpoints, "a biased discussion" suggests a leaning towards a particular perspective, potentially skewing the exchange.

What can I say instead of "a fair discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "an impartial debate", "a balanced conversation", or "an objective dialogue" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to have "a fair discussion"?

While not always mandatory, striving for "a fair discussion" is crucial in decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and any scenario where different perspectives need to be understood and valued for equitable outcomes.