bilateral discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"bilateral discussion" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a conversation or negotiation involving two parties. For example, "The two countries engaged in a bilateral discussion to resolve trade issues." Alternative expressions include "two-way dialogue" and "mutual conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Earlier, to get to the talks, North Korea abandoned its insistence on a purely bilateral discussion with the U.S., while the U.S. gave up its demand for purely multilateral discussions.

The New York Times

The United States was prepared to have meaningful, substantive engagement with BEIJING 00002965 002 OF 004 a senior North Korean official and would use the any bilateral discussion to encourage Pyongyang to return to the Six-Party Talks.

The Guardian

One-on-one becomes three President Obama will hold brief talks with David Cameron on Tuesday before a detailed bilateral discussion on Wednesday, when Libya, Afghanistan and Iran will be high on the agenda.

Independent

The lesson of Chen Guangcheng and US-China relations is that when governments don't purposely weave meaningful and substantive discussions on human rights into the fabric of key bilateral discussion on a regular basis, they risk those issues forcing their way onto the agenda in ways unforeseen".

The Guardian

"It's the largest migration in history, so they need to build a lot of infrastructure," said Dennis Bracy, the chief executive of the U.S.-China U.S.-China Clean Energy Forumal discussion group formed bilateralinese government with prominent Americans from previous Republican andiscussionic administrations.

The New York Times

There is bilateral discussion".

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Mexican official, who asked to speak anonymously to discuss private bilateral discussions, said it was not clear whether Nielsen had proposed the agreement in her bilateral meeting with Videgaray, nor whether the Mexican minister rejected it if she did.

Huffington Post

"Accordingly the directors are pursuing bilateral discussions with two parties who are both stakeholders in Rangers.

The Guardian - Sport

But this means bilateral discussions between the Namibian government and Berlin, without Herero or Namaqua participation.

The Guardian

Mr. Kerry has also said he would engage in bilateral discussions with North Korea; Mr. Bush has insisted on multilateral talks.

The New York Times

"As a matter of policy, we're not going to comment on our bilateral discussions with individual countries".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bilateral discussion", ensure that the context clearly indicates that only two parties are involved in the conversation or negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "bilateral discussion" when more than two parties are participating; in such cases, "multilateral discussion" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bilateral discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to a specific type of interaction between two parties, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bilateral discussion" is a noun phrase that signifies a conversation or negotiation between two parties. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media sources. To ensure correct usage, remember that "bilateral" refers specifically to two entities, and avoid using it when more parties are involved. Consider alternatives like "one-on-one conversation" or "direct dialogue" for nuanced meanings. While relatively uncommon, its usage across reputable sources lends credibility and correctness to its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-on-one conversation

This alternative emphasizes the direct, face-to-face aspect of the exchange, highlighting the individual interaction between the parties involved.

two-party negotiation

This term focuses on the negotiation aspect, specifically involving two distinct parties, implying a more formal setting.

direct dialogue

This alternative stresses the straightforward and immediate nature of the communication, minimizing intermediaries.

private talks

This highlights the confidential nature of the discussion, suggesting that the exchange is not public or widely known.

face-to-face meeting

This emphasizes the physical presence of the participants, suggesting a more personal and interactive exchange.

head-to-head talks

This term suggests a confrontational or competitive element, emphasizing the direct and potentially challenging nature of the discussion.

dual consultation

This phrase implies a process of seeking advice or opinions from two distinct entities.

two-sided discussion

A more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the involvement of two distinct sides or perspectives in the conversation.

separate negotiations

This suggests independent negotiation processes with different parties.

individual discourse

This phrase underlines the personalized and specific nature of the communication, highlighting its focus on individual perspectives.

FAQs

What does "bilateral discussion" mean?

A "bilateral discussion" refers to a conversation or negotiation involving only two parties, typically countries or organizations, to address specific issues or reach agreements.

When is it appropriate to use "bilateral discussion"?

Use "bilateral discussion" when you want to emphasize that the conversation or negotiation is exclusively between two parties, setting it apart from broader, multilateral talks.

What are some alternatives to "bilateral discussion"?

Alternatives include "one-on-one conversation", "two-party negotiation", or "direct dialogue", depending on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

How does a "bilateral discussion" differ from a "multilateral discussion"?

A "bilateral discussion" involves two parties, whereas a "multilateral discussion" includes three or more parties, often in a more formal setting like international conferences or summits.