begin the discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin the discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to initiate a conversation or dialogue on a specific topic. Example: "Let's begin the discussion on the new project proposals and gather everyone's input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just to begin the discussion is dangerous".

The New Yorker

Is this really how we want to begin the discussion?

The New Yorker

Then begin the discussion with the following questions: 1.

The New York Times

To begin the discussion, let's share some bedrock assumptions.

The New York Times

Here are a few ideas just to begin the discussion.

University of California, Berkeley

Before you begin the discussion, you need to think deeply about what you plan to say, Webb says.

Harvard Business Review

This chapter will begin the discussion of the role of training in ensuring compliance with current manufacturing practices, and in particular, current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs).

Quality Assurance Problem Solving and Training Strategies for Success in the Pharmaceutical and Life Science Industries

"In anatomy we begin the discussion -- how the student will function as a professional, learning how to react to an uncomfortable situation, facing death and dying.

The New York Times - Science

The fact that Mr. Glass' actions weren't illegal "should only begin the discussion of what social and professional consequences he should suffer," he said.

The New York Times

But he opened his news conference on Tuesday with a different approach: "Let's begin the discussion here by saying, Democrats support domestic production".

The New York Times

Some people suggest that one way to begin the discussion would be for either Mr. Bush or Congress to invoke the War Powers Act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While "begin the discussion" is generally acceptable, alternatives like "start the discussion" or "kick off the discussion" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "begin the discussion" repeatedly in highly formal documents. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "initiate the discussion" or "commence the discussion" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin the discussion" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce or initiate a conversation, debate, or analysis of a specific topic. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to signal the commencement of a discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin the discussion" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a topic and initiate conversation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and common across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives such as "start the discussion" or "initiate the discussion" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality. When employing this phrase, clarity in the topic and consideration of the audience are key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the discussion

Replaces "begin" with "initiate", emphasizing the act of starting something.

start the discussion

Uses the more common verb "start" instead of "begin".

commence the discussion

Employs the more formal term "commence" for "begin".

open the discussion

Uses "open" to convey starting a discussion.

launch the discussion

Suggests a more active and deliberate start.

kick off the discussion

An informal way to say "start the discussion".

get the discussion going

Focuses on setting the discussion in motion.

introduce the discussion

Highlights the act of presenting or bringing up the topic.

set the stage for discussion

Implies preparing or creating conditions for a discussion.

table the question for discussion

Puts a question forward as a topic of discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin the discussion" to introduce a new topic or to formally start a conversation. For example, "Let's begin the discussion about the proposed budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "begin the discussion"?

Alternatives include "start the discussion", "initiate the discussion", or "open the discussion". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "begin the discussion" formal or informal?

"Begin the discussion" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For very informal contexts, consider "kick off the discussion" or "get the discussion going".

What's the difference between "begin the discussion" and "start the discussion"?

The difference is minimal. "Begin" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "start", but they are largely interchangeable in most contexts.