begin a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin a discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to initiate a conversation or dialogue on a particular topic. Example: "Let's begin a discussion about the new project proposals during our meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The presiding magistrate would then begin a discussion by referring an issue to the senators, who would discuss the issue, one at a time, by order of seniority, with the first to speak, the most senior senator, known as the princeps senatus (leader of the Senate), who was then followed by ex-consuls (consulares), and then the praetors and ex-praetors (praetorii).

Wikipedia

How about we stop talking about antisemitism and Islamophobia, and begin a discussion about misandry?

The Guardian

"With this exhibition, we hope to begin a discussion on the path that we have taken".

The Guardian

Perhaps that would be a good place to begin a discussion of real victimhood.

University of California, Berkeley

"But it can be a starting point to begin a discussion that we have been postponing for far too long".

The New York Times

"I want to begin a discussion with the Russian architecture world," Koolhaas said, adding that he was wary of being seen as a foreign interloper.

The New Yorker

"We call upon Her Majesty's government to begin a discussion about the possibility of pardoning all the men, alive or deceased, who like Alan Turing were convicted".

Independent

The two parties should begin a discussion of the best reform proposals now, and plan on having a new system in place for 2012.

The New York Times

"You might see someone reading the book at a bus stop and say, 'I've read that too' and begin a discussion.

The Guardian - Books

Maybe in this setting we can begin a discussion of how computer technology might change the record industry, or vice versa, without immediately resorting to words like "convergence".

The New York Times - Magazine

"While I do not agree with every element of their budget, they certainly have passed a budget that permits us to begin a discussion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "begin a discussion", consider your audience and tailor your language and approach accordingly to ensure engagement and understanding.

Common error

Do not assume everyone understands the context or background of the topic. Providing a brief overview before you "begin a discussion" can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a more productive conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a discussion" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to initiate a conversation or dialogue. It sets the stage for an exchange of ideas and perspectives. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically sound and common construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin a discussion" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to initiate a conversation across diverse settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "initiate a conversation" or "start a dialogue", choosing the right one depends on the desired tone and context. When using "begin a discussion", clarity and consideration of the audience are key to fostering productive conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a conversation

Focuses on starting an exchange of ideas.

start a dialogue

Emphasizes a more formal and structured exchange.

open up a discussion

Highlights making the discussion accessible and inclusive.

launch a debate

Suggests a more argumentative or competitive exchange.

commence deliberations

Implies a formal and thoughtful consideration of a matter.

table a matter for discussion

Suggests to present a topic or matter that needs to be discussed.

introduce a topic

Focuses on bringing a subject into consideration.

raise an issue

Emphasizes bringing a problem or concern to attention.

spark a discourse

Implies starting an extensive conversation on a subject.

set the stage for conversation

Highlights preparing or creating conditions for a conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin a discussion" to introduce the start of a conversation, for example: "Let's "begin a discussion" about the new marketing strategy".

What's a more formal way to say "begin a discussion"?

A more formal alternative to "begin a discussion" is to say "initiate a conversation" or "commence deliberations". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Which is correct: "begin a discussion" or "start a discussion"?

Both "begin a discussion" and "start a discussion" are correct and widely used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "begin a discussion"?

The phrase "begin a discussion" is appropriate in various contexts, from formal meetings to casual conversations, whenever you want to introduce a new topic or "initiate a conversation".