a substantive discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a discussion that is meaningful, significant, or has depth in its content. Example: "The committee held a substantive discussion on the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The former president did not engage in a substantive discussion about North Korea's nuclear program.

The New York Times

I don't think there was ever a substantive discussion about anything in cabinet.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, mere exposure has taken the place of thoughtful engagement, not to mention a substantive discussion.

Columbia University

Mr. Bush did indeed want a substantive discussion, they said, and they were conveying that to Mr. McCain's advisers.

The New York Times

Mr Cameron had hoped he could now step up the process by moving on to wider talks with other EU leaders ahead of a "substantive discussion" in December.

Independent

If Iran does not engage in a substantive discussion of the details of its program in Baghdad, the crisis atmosphere may return.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

In each episode, Bragg, a life Labour peer in the House of Lords and a longtime culture-show host of British radio and television, efficiently dives into some complex, aggressively uncommercial topics — "Hello, 'Four Quartets' is T. S. Eliot's last great poem" — and shepherds a group of academics through a brisk, substantive discussion.

The New Yorker

"There's a very good likelihood of a more substantive discussion of some of these than people think".. Though Brown received good marks on crime and public safety — 50%, up from 46% in November — he ranked lowest on prisons.

Los Angeles Times

At least the topic had been broached that morning at a Rogers Park Mexican restaurant as Joe Moore, the five-term 49th Ward incumbent, faced Brian White, a serious-minded community development specialist, in a more substantive discussion.

The New York Times

One of the most encouraging signs in the wake of nationwide protests urging an end to police brutality has been a concrete, substantive discussion on how to move forward.

HuffPost

Even as a wider ideological battle rages over whether to use Title II, a more substantive discussion about which parts of Title II would or wouldn't apply is taking place.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive discussion" when you want to convey that a conversation involves significant depth, careful consideration, and explores relevant details.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive discussion" to describe casual or brief conversations; reserve it for scenarios where the exchange is genuinely thorough and insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the type of discussion being referenced, emphasizing its thorough and meaningful nature. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

18%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive discussion" refers to a conversation characterized by depth, detail, and meaningful engagement with a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. It's important to note that the phrase is most suitable when describing discussions that go beyond superficial exchanges, delving into the core aspects of the subject matter. For situations where the discussion lacks depth, alternatives like "a meaningful conversation" or "an in-depth exchange" might also be used. The frequency of this expression suggests it is a valuable phrase to employ for people looking to convey a comprehensive analysis of something in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful conversation

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the interaction.

an in-depth exchange

Highlights the thoroughness and detail of the conversation.

a detailed deliberation

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration of a topic.

a thorough exploration

Focuses on the comprehensive examination of a subject.

a weighty discussion

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the topic being discussed.

a serious consultation

Implies a formal and earnest exchange of views.

a productive dialogue

Emphasizes the beneficial and constructive nature of the exchange.

a considered debate

Suggests a thoughtful and balanced argument.

a significant discourse

Highlights the importance and impact of the conversation.

a comprehensive analysis

Focuses on a detailed and thorough examination of the subject matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantive discussion" to describe any conversation that is thorough, meaningful and goes into detail. For example: "The board members had "a substantive discussion" about the company's future strategy".

What are some alternatives to "a substantive discussion"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful conversation", "an in-depth exchange", or "a detailed deliberation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantive discussion"?

It's appropriate when describing conversations that are not merely superficial but involve a deep exploration of a topic, careful consideration of details, and a genuine exchange of ideas.

What distinguishes "a substantive discussion" from a regular conversation?

While any conversation involves talking, "a substantive discussion" indicates that the exchange is focused, thorough, and meaningful, often leading to insights or decisions based on the depth of the dialogue.