a good discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation or dialogue that is productive, insightful, or engaging. Example: "The meeting ended with a good discussion about the project's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

[Not discussed in this blog post. A good discussion of the socio-political context of the emergence of physiocracy].

The Economist

It was a good discussion.

The New York Times

It's a good discussion.

The New Yorker

Now that would be a good discussion".

The New York Times

But a good discussion all the same.

The New York Times

"We had a good discussion," Howe said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd rather have a good discussion".

The New York Times

Here's a good discussion (pdf) of their contributions.

The New York Times

When it doesn't, it can lead to a good discussion".

The New York Times

"I think we've had a good discussion," he said.

The Guardian

(A good discussion on that by Tea Leaf Nation).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for concise language, replace "a good discussion" with stronger verbs like 'deliberated', 'conversed', or 'debated', depending on the discussion's nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a good discussion" as a generic placeholder. Provide context or specifics about the discussion's subject matter to add depth and relevance to your writing. For example, instead of stating "We had a good discussion", specify "We had a good discussion about the new marketing strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "good" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "discussion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its wide usage demonstrates its function in everyday and formal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good discussion" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a productive and positive conversation. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples indicates its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure the phrase adds meaningful context rather than serving as a generic filler. Consider stronger verbs or more specific descriptions to elevate your writing and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "productive conversation" or "fruitful exchange" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a productive conversation

Emphasizes the outcome and usefulness of the exchange.

a fruitful exchange

Highlights the positive results and benefits derived from the interaction.

a beneficial dialogue

Stresses the advantages and helpfulness of the communication.

a valuable conversation

Focuses on the importance and worth of the exchange.

a constructive interaction

Points out the positive and helpful nature of the engagement.

an informative talk

Highlights the educational aspect of the exchange.

an insightful exchange

Emphasizes the depth and understanding gained from the interaction.

a meaningful conversation

Stresses the significance and depth of the exchange.

a thorough deliberation

Highlights that the discussion was deep and considered all the aspects.

a substantive dialogue

Indicates that the discussion covered significant and relevant topics.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good discussion" to describe a productive and insightful conversation. For example: "The team had "a good discussion" about project goals."

What are some alternatives to "a good discussion"?

Alternatives include "productive conversation", "fruitful exchange", or "valuable conversation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a good discussion" or should I use another phrase?

"A good discussion" is perfectly correct. However, the best choice depends on context. For example, "thorough deliberation" suggests deeper consideration.

What's the difference between "a good discussion" and "a meaningful conversation"?

"A good discussion" implies a positive and productive exchange, whereas "meaningful conversation" suggests a deeper, more personally significant exchange.