began discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initiation of conversations or negotiations on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The two companies began discussions to explore potential collaboration opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We began discussions about how he, with his group, resources, skills, could assist us," Zeitels says.

The New Yorker

Both men began discussions by reiterating their commitment to fighting international terrorism.

Independent

It began discussions with the campaigns about what steps were next.

The New Yorker

The pair began discussions that led to the letter in August.

The New York Times

Southern Union began discussions with Williams but soon focused on a higher ETE bid.

The New York Times

The Security Council began discussions on the secretary general's plan today.

The New York Times

Now, Runge began discussions with Optimal's senior staff about whether they should leave records behind.

The Guardian - Music

Supermarket sources said both companies had kicked off talks shortly after Unilever began discussions with grocers.

The Guardian - Business

The two sides immediately began discussions over decreasing the pollution at the plant.

The New York Times

Bank of America began discussions to buy Merrill Lynch, the nation's largest brokerage.

The New York Times

Mr. Schneiderman said he began discussions with Mr. Sabin only after he had bought the property.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began discussions" to indicate the initial phase of a dialogue or negotiation, setting the stage for further developments. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overuse in highly informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "began discussions" in casual or informal settings where simpler phrases like "started talking" or "chatted" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began discussions" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of conversations or negotiations. Ludwig AI's examples show it being used in various contexts from news reports to business deals, highlighting its broad applicability. This usage is supported by Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began discussions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that denotes the start of conversations or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly within news and business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional registers and should be used cautiously in informal settings. Alternatives like "initiated talks" or "opened dialogue" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to always make sure the beginning of the discussion is clearly explained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated talks

Focuses more on the formal commencement of conversations, often in a business or political setting.

started negotiations

Emphasizes the intent to reach an agreement or compromise through dialogue.

commenced deliberations

Suggests a more formal and structured process of discussing an issue.

opened dialogue

Highlights the initiation of a conversation, often to resolve a conflict or explore possibilities.

launched talks

Implies a formal and sometimes public initiation of discussions.

entered into negotiations

Describes the action of formally engaging in a series of discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

started a conversation

Highlights the start of a less formal exchange of views.

took up discussions

Suggests that discussions were started, and the parties are now actively engaging in them.

broached the subject

Implies introducing a topic for discussion, often one that is sensitive or difficult.

embarked on consultations

Indicates the start of a series of formal meetings for advice or information.

FAQs

How can I use "began discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "began discussions" to describe the start of a conversation or negotiation, like: "The company "began discussions" with potential investors."

What are some alternatives to "began discussions"?

Alternatives include "initiated talks", "started negotiations", or "opened dialogue", depending on the context.

Is "began discussions" formal or informal?

"Began discussions" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for business or news contexts. Use simpler phrases like "started talking" in informal situations.

What's the difference between "began discussions" and "had a discussion"?

"Began discussions" implies the start of a series of conversations or negotiations, while "had a discussion" refers to a single instance of talking about something.