a few discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of conversations or dialogues on a particular topic. Example: "We had a few discussions about the project timeline during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I had a few discussions at home," says Wagner.

The Guardian - Sport

"I had a few discussions with U.S. Soccer.

The Guardian - Sport

But after a few discussions, the approach broadened.

The New Yorker

She was very specific and we had quite a few discussions about it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have had a few discussions about the future of the club and my future with the club.

The New York Times

"She had, from what I could see, over the period of months, a few discussions with P.S.C. personnel, and I ask you the question, could she have not?" he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It is fitting to here enumerate examples of a few discussion formats which have yielded the most favorable results thus far in my courses, including: concentric circles, Socratic inquiry, world cafe, small group discussions, and large circle discussion.

European Journal of Futures Research

Here are a few discussion points he might want to add to the syllabus.

Huffington Post

Every week, the course instructor posted an assignment and articles with a few discussion questions.

BMC Medical Education

The original developer introduced a few discussion points, which were also addressed.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Every week, the course instructor initiated the online discussion by posting an assignment and articles with a few discussion questions.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few discussions", consider the context to determine if a more specific term (e.g., "deliberations", "consultations") would be more appropriate to convey the nature of the conversations.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid relying solely on "a few discussions". Vary your language by employing terms such as "several deliberations" or "limited consultations" to maintain a sophisticated tone and avoid repetitiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few discussions" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It indicates a limited number of conversations or deliberations on a particular subject. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe multiple instances of dialogue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few discussions" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned expression used to indicate a limited number of conversations or dialogues. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates the occurrence of multiple discussions without specifying depth or outcome. Consider alternatives like "several conversations" or "some deliberations" based on context and desired nuance. Avoiding overuse in formal writing and adapting your language ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several conversations

Emphasizes the number of conversations held.

Some deliberations

Implies a more formal and thoughtful consideration.

A couple of talks

Indicates a smaller number of informal conversations.

Brief dialogues

Highlights the conciseness of the exchanges.

Limited consultations

Suggests a professional or expert-driven exchange.

A handful of meetings

Focuses on scheduled gatherings for discussion.

Certain debates

Highlights the presence of conflicting arguments.

Various exchanges

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the communication.

Preliminary talks

Suggests the discussions are in an initial stage.

Initial conversations

Suggests that conversations are at the beginning.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a few discussions"?

You can use alternatives like "several conversations", "some deliberations", or "a couple of talks" depending on the context.

How to use "a few discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "a few discussions" to indicate that there were some conversations or dialogues on a particular topic. For example, "We had a few discussions about the project timeline during the meeting."

Which is correct, "a few discussions" or "few discussions"?

"A few discussions" implies a small but positive number of discussions, whereas "few discussions" suggests a scarcity or lack of discussions. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a few discussions" and "some discussions"?

While both indicate more than one discussion, "a few discussions" generally implies a smaller, more limited number compared to "some discussions", which can suggest a slightly larger or less definite quantity.