a reasonable discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a reasonable discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a conversation or discourse that is fair, rational, and logical. Example: The two politicians engaged in a reasonable discussion about their differing views on healthcare reform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

3. The one place you can't have a reasonable discussion about Israel is Washington.

The New Yorker

The same commenter went on to say: "I hope both protaganists have a reasonable discussion at the White House.

The New York Times

For America to play a constructive role in supporting peace, a reasonable discussion over US policy is necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has become difficult to have a reasonable discussion about the most controversial president in our recent history.

Harvard University

How can we Americans have a reasonable discussion of budget deficit reduction when Social Security is constantly pulled into the mix?

The New York Times

I think we need to be having a reasonable discussion about the appropriate compensation levels both for private and public positions".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

This lack, according to some thinkers, signals the demise of any reasonable discussion as the subject matter becomes hopelessly private with little possibility of inter-subjective discourse.

SEP

Just as you might defer a walk during a downpour, wait for the storm to pass before resuming a more reasonable discussion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Physicist Burt Kendall of Qualcomm in San Diego, California, called Baltimore's remarks "a most reasonable discussion" and criticized what he called the Bush Administration's poor funding of science and an "antiscience attitude of the Administration".

Science Magazine

It's time we have a more intelligent and reasonable discussion about the state of animal agriculture.

Huffington Post

They long for the day when the American public square will be a place of passionate but reasonable discussion -- more like the Greek agora than the Roman Colisseum.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "a reasonable discussion", ensure all participants are informed about the topic. This prevents misunderstandings and promotes a more productive exchange of ideas.

Common error

Don't let emotions cloud your judgment during "a reasonable discussion". Stick to facts and logic to maintain credibility and foster mutual understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reasonable' modifies 'discussion'. It describes a type of conversation or exchange characterized by logic, fairness, and respect. Ludwig provides examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable discussion" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a constructive dialogue characterized by logic, fairness, and respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific domains. When aiming for such a discussion, remember to prioritize factual accuracy, active listening, and a respectful tone. Be mindful of emotional reasoning, and consider alternatives like "a rational debate" or "a constructive dialogue" to best fit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational debate

Emphasizes the logical and fact-based nature of the exchange.

a sensible conversation

Highlights the practical and pragmatic aspect of the exchange.

a logical argument

Focuses on the structured and coherent presentation of viewpoints.

a well-reasoned exchange

Highlights the quality of the reasoning involved in the discussion.

a constructive dialogue

Stresses the aim of building understanding and finding solutions.

a productive conversation

Highlights the efficiency and outcome-oriented nature of the discussion.

an informed debate

Focuses on the knowledge and awareness brought to the discussion.

a civil discourse

Emphasizes the respectful and courteous manner of the exchange.

a balanced assessment

Highlights the impartiality and objectivity of the evaluation.

a thoughtful deliberation

Emphasizes the depth and careful consideration given to the topic.

FAQs

How can I ensure I'm having "a reasonable discussion"?

Focus on presenting facts, listening actively, and maintaining a respectful tone. Avoid personal attacks and emotional reasoning to keep the conversation constructive.

What does it mean to engage in "a reasonable discussion"?

It means participating in an exchange where ideas are presented logically, evidence is considered, and participants are open to changing their views based on new information.

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable discussion"?

You could use phrases like "a rational debate", "a sensible conversation", or "a constructive dialogue" depending on the specific context.

How does "a reasonable discussion" differ from a heated argument?

While both involve expressing different viewpoints, "a reasonable discussion" focuses on understanding and finding common ground through logic and respect, unlike a heated argument which is often driven by emotion and the desire to win.