a serious discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal discussion or conversation that addresses important or weighty topics. Example: "The conference aimed to foster a serious discourse on climate change and its global implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the American side, that includes revaluing China's currency, leveling the playing field for American investors in China and establishing a serious discourse between the nations' militaries.

The New York Times

We hope this article will help launch a serious discourse among researchers, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and research-funding organizations around the world and encourage those who have already begun to think along these lines.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The church all too often rushes in with pre-packaged doctrinal answers and, strangely enough, fails to engage in any serious discourse about the notion, possibility, and indeed experience of, that which is called "God".

The Guardian

But a serious discussion is exactly what we haven't been having these past couple years — because the discourse was hijacked by the wrong people, with the wrong agenda.

The New York Times

After meetings of the Royal Society of London, Fellows would adjourn to a coffeehouse for serious discourse, and it was a coffeehouse conversation that catalyzed the composition of Newton's "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy".

The New Yorker

He added: "The idea of a Palestinian state run by the PLO was not a subject for serious discourse". Indeed, Jimmy Carter fired Andrew Young, his ambassador to the United Nations, after Young held unauthorized talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization.

The Washington Post

YouTube has a separate section, "YouChoose '08," that gives each candidate a protected space for more serious discourse, similar to the way the broadcast networks give Sunday mornings over to civic uplift.

The New York Times

The end-of-civilisation argument is counterproductive to a serious public discourse on our actions.

The Guardian

The United States is in need of a serious, prolonged discourse about its historical and still very prevalent racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Long stand the National September 11 Memorial Museum - and let it also be a reminder that we need to begin engaging in serious discourse regarding the future of this country and the world before it's too late.

Huffington Post

The question of serious discourse in the age of the internet is an important one, and here Morozov tries to bolster his technical arguments with ideological ones.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious discourse" in formal writing or speech when you want to convey that a topic is being discussed thoughtfully and with appropriate gravitas. It is best suited for academic papers, professional presentations, or journalistic reports.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious discourse" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday settings; simpler alternatives like "a serious discussion" or "an important conversation" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious discourse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating it fits within standard grammatical structures. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its role in describing formal discussions or conversations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a serious discourse" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe thoughtful and in-depth discussions on important topics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a formal or semi-formal register. For less formal settings, alternatives such as "a serious discussion" may be more appropriate. Remember to reserve the phrase for situations where the gravity and intellectual depth of the conversation are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful dialogue

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the conversation.

a profound discussion

Highlights the intellectual or emotional depth of the conversation.

an in-depth conversation

Focuses on the thoroughness and detail of the exchange.

a weighty discussion

Indicates that the topic is important and consequential.

a critical analysis

Highlights a detailed evaluation of a subject.

a substantive debate

Focuses on a structured and well-reasoned exchange of differing viewpoints.

a thoughtful exchange

Suggests a careful and considerate discussion.

a significant conversation

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the discussion.

a rigorous examination

Highlights the thorough and exacting nature of the inquiry.

a constructive dialogue

Emphasizes the goal of building consensus or finding solutions.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious discourse" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious discourse" to describe a thoughtful discussion, for example: "The conference aimed to foster "a serious discourse" on the challenges facing the global economy."

What's a more straightforward alternative to "a serious discourse"?

Alternatives include "a serious discussion", "a meaningful conversation", or "a profound dialogue", which might be more suitable for less formal contexts.

Is "serious discourse" always appropriate in academic writing?

While "serious discourse" is suitable for academic writing, ensure that the level of formality aligns with the specific context. Sometimes, more specific language related to the particular field of study may be preferable.

What distinguishes "a serious discourse" from a casual conversation?

"A serious discourse" implies a structured and thoughtful discussion, often involving experts or individuals with a deep understanding of the subject matter. It differs from a casual conversation in its depth, formality, and the weight of the topics discussed.