an amicable discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an amicable discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or dialogue that is friendly and characterized by goodwill, often in a context where differing opinions are expressed respectfully. Example: "Despite their differences, they managed to have an amicable discussion about the project’s direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Last night's debate was more of a forum, an amicable discussion of a wide range of issues.

The New York Times

Campaigners, who have just presented a 700-signature petition to the council, are particularly unhappy because they argue it flouted the terms of its own 2005 premises licence agreement for Ryelands Park, reached after an amicable discussion with local residents.

The Guardian

We had an amicable discussion.

BBC

Dr Fox said there had been an "amicable" discussion about "what was best for the department" and it would be wrong to suggest the two men had been fired.

BBC

Who am I to propose anything to the Foreign Office or the Ministry of Defence?" It was, rather, a response to an invitation from the British and was an amicable discussion.

BBC

A Downing Street spokesman later confirmed the talks, together with the previous evening's telephone conversation between Brown and Clegg, which was described as "an amicable discussion".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We welcome a constructive, amicable discussion with management to jointly address our concerns".

The Guardian

She added: "They had a frank and amicable discussion about the problems that currently face the club as well as the future plans for it when KEH Sports Ltd assumes control of the club at the end of May".

BBC

If you're able to have a calm and amicable discussion, consider dividing possessions according to who will use and enjoy them most.

Huffington Post

Cardiff confirmed the former Scarlets coach's appointment came as a direct result of "amicable discussions" with the Bristol rugby director, Andy Robinson.

The Guardian - Sport

Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an amicable discussion" when you want to emphasize the friendly and cooperative nature of a conversation, particularly when differing viewpoints are present. This suggests that participants are respectful and willing to find common ground.

Common error

Don't assume that "an amicable discussion" implies full agreement. It simply means the discussion was conducted in a friendly and respectful manner, even if participants still hold different opinions. The focus is on the manner of interaction, not the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an amicable discussion" functions as a noun phrase, with 'amicable' modifying 'discussion'. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature of a communicative exchange.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an amicable discussion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a conversation characterized by friendliness, respect, and a willingness to find common ground. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and appropriate. While found across various contexts, including news, media and wiki sources, it frequently appears in formal settings. When aiming for alternatives, consider phrases like "a cordial conversation" or "a friendly debate". Remember that "amicable" refers to the manner of discussion, not necessarily an agreement in outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collaborative discussion

Emphasizes the shared effort and teamwork involved in the discussion.

a cordial conversation

Substitutes 'amicable' with 'cordial' and 'discussion' with 'conversation', softening the tone to emphasize politeness.

a civil dialogue

Replaces 'amicable' with 'civil', which focuses on politeness and respect, and 'discussion' with 'dialogue', suggesting a more formal exchange.

a constructive dialogue

Emphasizes the beneficial and productive nature of the conversation.

a friendly debate

Replaces 'discussion' with 'debate' and 'amicable' with 'friendly', emphasizing a more structured, yet agreeable, exchange.

a cooperative conversation

Highlights the collaborative nature of the discussion, emphasizing mutual effort and understanding.

a harmonious exchange

Uses 'harmonious' to describe the positive nature of the 'exchange', suggesting a smooth and pleasant interaction.

a pleasant consultation

Suggests a formal and agreeable meeting for advice or information exchange.

a peaceful negotiation

Replaces 'discussion' with 'negotiation' to highlight the collaborative and problem-solving aspect, still maintaining a positive atmosphere with 'peaceful'.

a good-natured chat

Replaces 'amicable discussion' with a more informal term implying friendliness and lightheartedness.

FAQs

How can I use "an amicable discussion" in a sentence?

"An amicable discussion" describes a conversation characterized by friendliness and goodwill. For example: "Despite their initial disagreements, the committee members had "an amicable discussion" about the proposed changes."

What can I say instead of "an amicable discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "a friendly debate", "a cordial conversation", or "a civil dialogue", depending on the context.

Is "an amicable discussion" formal or informal?

"An amicable discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it describes the manner of the discussion rather than the subject or setting. However, alternatives such as "a good-natured chat" may be more appropriate for very informal settings.

What distinguishes "an amicable discussion" from a regular discussion?

The term "amicable" highlights the friendly and cooperative nature of the discussion. While a regular discussion may simply involve an exchange of ideas, "an amicable discussion" emphasizes that the exchange was conducted with goodwill and respect.