a polite discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a polite discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or dialogue that is conducted in a respectful and courteous manner. Example: "During the meeting, we had a polite discussion about the project's progress and any concerns that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

On one level the debate can be seen as a polite discussion of political theory among the members of a small group of intellectuals.

The New York Times

I suspect it's a frame-of-reference issue - the frame that our censors are in doesn't feel like a censoring frame to them - they're seeking to run a polite discussion board, or engineer out a social harm, as they see it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dismayed at the party's degeneracy under Andrew Scheer, he concluded after a polite discussion with his leader last week that the party was irredeemably "intellectually and morally corrupt".

Vice

Keller doesn't oppose liberals entirely -- "I'm happy to have a polite discussion and agree to disagree," he said -- but he noted that he attributes certain social problems like mass shootings to the rise of progressive beliefs.

Huffington Post

Almost as technically crisp are a pair of pictures that both tell behavioural stories: the gladiatorial standoff –or is it a polite discussion? between bulldog ants [Additional file 5] [ 13], and the simply delightful (albeit accidental) interaction between a duck and some frogs [Additional file 6].

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When Turner is forced to attend a critical salon presided over by his great champion, the supercilious John Ruskin Joshuaa McGuire), he endures a simperingly polite discussion of gooseberries.

The Guardian - Film

Debate is a polite word.

The New York Times

Ephemera: a polite word for junk.

Huffington Post

It was, in essence, an invasion of privacy, a subject unfit for polite discussion.

The New York Times

A vigorous and less than polite discussion had been developing on Reddit for the past month.

The New Yorker

Enter into polite political discussion to learn something and get a better background of your friends and the issues.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a polite discussion" when you want to emphasize the respectful and courteous nature of a conversation, especially when differing opinions are involved. It implies a level of decorum and consideration among the participants.

Common error

Avoid using "a polite discussion" to describe situations that are clearly arguments or heated debates, even if people are trying to be civil. The phrase implies a level of harmony and mutual respect that might not be present in more contentious exchanges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a polite discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes an interaction where civility and respect are maintained, even when dealing with potentially contentious topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a polite discussion" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes a respectful and courteous conversation. As supported by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While "a polite discussion" isn't exceptionally frequent, it effectively communicates the manner in which ideas are exchanged. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where civility is genuinely present to avoid misrepresenting the interaction. Some related phrases, which you can use as alternatives, are "a civil conversation", "a respectful dialogue", and "an amicable exchange".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a civil conversation

Emphasizes the respectful and orderly nature of the exchange, focusing on adherence to societal norms.

a courteous debate

Highlights the respectful exchange of differing viewpoints in a structured format.

a respectful dialogue

Stresses the mutual regard and consideration shown by participants in the conversation.

an amicable exchange

Focuses on the friendly and harmonious nature of the interaction.

a civilized exchange of views

Highlights that differences in viewpoints have been exchanged respectfully.

a gentle argument

Emphasizes the mild and considerate manner in which differing opinions are presented.

a well-mannered discourse

Emphasizes the display of good manners and etiquette throughout the conversation.

a tactful conversation

Highlights the sensitivity used in the exchange, especially when dealing with delicate topics.

a diplomatic discussion

Emphasizes the skill and care used to avoid causing offense or disagreement.

a considerate conversation

Emphasizes the care and thoughtfulness shown in the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a polite discussion" to describe a conversation where participants are respectful and courteous, even if they disagree. For example, "Despite their differing opinions, they engaged in "a polite discussion" about politics."

What's the difference between "a polite discussion" and "a debate"?

"A polite discussion" implies a more harmonious and less confrontational exchange than a "debate". A debate often involves arguing for opposing viewpoints, while "a polite discussion" focuses on mutual respect and understanding.

Which is correct, "a polite discussion" or "a friendly argument"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different connotations. "A polite discussion" suggests a calm and respectful exchange, while "a friendly argument" implies a more playful disagreement. The best choice depends on the context.

What are some synonyms for "a polite discussion"?

Alternatives include "a civil conversation", "a respectful dialogue", or "an amicable exchange". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.