a major discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant conversation or debate on a particular topic. Example: "The committee held a major discussion on the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Still, a major discussion of changes to tax policy this year would be healthy.

The New York Times

In competitive environment of deregulated electricity market, short-term load forecasting (STLF) is a major discussion for efficient operation of power systems.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

Indeed, the album proves a major discussion point for the film's two lovers, played by Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, the young British actress who's rather special in it.

The Guardian - Film

Topics on the agenda at Friday's meeting at Parliament House in Canberra include federalism, indigenous affairs, the national disability insurance scheme and arrangements for paid parental leave, but Holden's decision to end its Australian car marking operations means the future of manufacturing and automotive assistance will be a major discussion point.

The Guardian

The book's conversations with Benoît Chantre, an eminent French Girardian, feature a major discussion of the war theorist Carl von Clausewitz (1780 1831), whose ideas about the "escalation to extremes" in modern warfare converge uncannily with Girard's ideas about the acceleration of mimetic violence.

Stanford University

The next meeting I have I will ensure will will have a major discussion about the Francis report".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The economic effect of a potential RVFV outbreak in the United States was a topic of major discussion.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

I go back to my point here: it would be totally disorientating for this institution if my views became a subject of major discussion right now".

The New Yorker

A technical but major discussion in the ES cell field concerns how well culture conditions actually reflect the natural states of pluripotent cells in the developing embryo.

Epigenetics

There just happens to be a major global discussion on emissions mitigation scheduled this year in Paris.

The Guardian

Amazingly, the 27 leaders have not had a major strategic discussion of Brexit since spring 2017.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major discussion", ensure the context clearly indicates the importance or significance of the topic being discussed. Using precise language to describe the subject matter enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a major discussion" for routine conversations or minor disagreements. Reserve it for situations where the discussion has significant implications or involves critical decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "hold a major discussion") or as a subject complement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights the importance of a conversation or debate. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts. Its usage spans various domains, including news, science, and academia, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "an important debate" or "a significant conversation" exist, "a major discussion" effectively conveys the significance of the topic at hand. Remember to reserve this phrase for discussions that genuinely warrant the descriptor 'major', ensuring impactful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important debate

Replaces "discussion" with "debate", highlighting the argumentative aspect.

a significant conversation

Substitutes "major" with "significant" and "discussion" with "conversation", offering a slightly more neutral tone.

a crucial deliberation

Emphasizes the importance of the discussion through the word "crucial" and uses "deliberation" to convey a more formal setting.

a key negotiation

Implies a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement, shifting the focus towards problem-solving.

a pivotal consultation

Suggests a discussion with experts or advisors, emphasizing the role of guidance and advice.

a critical analysis

Focuses on a detailed examination of a subject, rather than a general discussion.

an extensive dialogue

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the discussion, suggesting it covers a wide range of aspects.

an in-depth exploration

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the discussion, implying a deep dive into the subject matter.

a serious consideration

Shifts the focus to the careful thought and attention given to a topic, rather than the discussion itself.

a substantial review

Indicates a comprehensive examination and assessment, often involving multiple perspectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major discussion" to describe a significant conversation, like: "The board held "a major discussion" about the company's future strategy".

What are some alternatives to saying "a major discussion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an important debate", "a significant conversation", or "a crucial deliberation".

Is it appropriate to use "a major discussion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major discussion" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing important conversations or debates in academic, business, or news contexts.

What distinguishes "a major discussion" from a regular discussion?

"A major discussion" implies that the conversation is of considerable importance, involving significant issues or decisions, whereas a regular discussion might be more casual or less impactful.