a sensible discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a conversation or dialogue that is logical, reasonable, and well thought out. Example: "The committee held a sensible discussion about the proposed changes to the policy, considering all viewpoints before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It also hints at the difficulties of having a sensible discussion about drugs policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Statins have been unfairly demonised, and this prevents a sensible discussion of the risks and benefits of their use.

The Guardian

"I see no reason at all why we should not have a sensible discussion about these issues," he added.

The Guardian

Vij Randeniya, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, said it was time that "sensible people have a sensible discussion" about the issue.

Independent

"We want to find out the full state of affairs and have a sensible discussion about how this entity will remain viable into the future".

The Guardian

Finn Brennan, district organiser for Aslef, said: "Management need to back off from this deadline and have a sensible discussion about how it can work.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

George Osborne used a speech to the Institute of Directors in London to say Brown had created a "political climate" where any sensible discussion about the measures needed was met with false claims that they would lead to deep cuts in vital services.

The Guardian

This wouldn't be a problem if we were able to have a proper public debate on drugs, but the right-wing press has made any sensible discussion of drug policy impossible.

The Guardian

Katherine Tiedemann and Peter Bergen's "Revenge of the Drones," a report from the New America Foundation, has a particularly sensible discussion of a question that is, at present, impossible to answer (because no reporters are around): How many civilians have died in drone attacks in the Pakistani borderlands?

Huffington Post

"It also closes the door on any sensible discussion about Ataturk, who in reality is widely demonised by certain groups behind closed doors in Turkey".

The Guardian

And the takeover of half our political spectrum by the 0.01 percent is, I'd argue, also responsible for the degradation of our economic discourse, which has made any sensible discussion of what we should be doing impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for "a sensible discussion", clearly define the scope and goals of the conversation to ensure participants remain focused and avoid unproductive tangents.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all participants have the same understanding of what constitutes "a sensible discussion". Explicitly outline ground rules for respectful and productive dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., 'have', 'need', 'promote') or as a complement, denoting the act of engaging in rational and well-reasoned conversation. Ludwig AI also confirms that "a sensible discussion" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sensible discussion" is a noun phrase widely used to advocate for or describe a rational and productive exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news media, opinion pieces, and formal business contexts, emphasizing logic and reason. Alternatives include phrases like ""a rational debate"" or ""a reasonable conversation"", each with slight nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the scope of the discussion and establishing ground rules for respectful participation. Overall, "a sensible discussion" is a valuable tool for promoting constructive dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rational debate

Emphasizes the logical and reasoned nature of the exchange.

a reasonable conversation

Highlights the fairness and moderation of the dialogue.

a productive dialogue

Focuses on the beneficial outcome and progress made during the discussion.

a constructive exchange

Stresses the positive and helpful contributions of the participants.

a well-reasoned argument

Highlights the logical basis and structured presentation of viewpoints.

a sound deliberation

Implies careful and thorough consideration of the issues at hand.

an informed exchange

Highlights that the discussion is based on accurate and comprehensive information.

a logical discourse

Stresses the adherence to principles of logic and clear reasoning.

a pragmatic approach

Focuses on practicality and effectiveness in addressing the subject.

a judicious consultation

Implies careful and wise counsel from involved parties.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible discussion" to describe a conversation that is rational, well-reasoned, and productive. For example, "The board members had "a sensible discussion" about the budget cuts."

What's a good alternative to "a sensible discussion"?

Alternatives include "a rational debate", "a reasonable conversation", or "a productive dialogue" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a sensible and rational discussion"?

While "sensible" and "rational" have overlapping meanings, using both can emphasize the importance of logic and reason in the discussion. However, it might be seen as slightly redundant depending on the context.

What makes "a sensible discussion" different from a regular discussion?

A "sensible discussion" implies that participants are reasonable, logical, and willing to consider different viewpoints, leading to a more productive and informed outcome compared to a typical discussion which might lack focus or descend into emotional arguments.