by discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"by discussion" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to talk about how two parties arrive at a decision or agreement through talking about the topic and sharing ideas. For example, "The two sides eventually reached an agreement by discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Screening followed by discussion.

The New York Times

Disagreements were resolved by discussion.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Discrepancies were resolved by discussion.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Reviewers resolved discrepancies by discussion.

Plosone

Doubts were resolved by discussion.

BMC Cancer

They resolved disagreements by discussion.

BMJ Open

Consent was reached by discussion.

Clinical Oral Implants Research

Consensus is reached by discussion.

BMC Health Services Research

Discrepancies were solved by discussion.

BMC Cancer

Differences were reconciled by discussion.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Disagreement was dissolved by discussion.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by discussion" to clearly indicate that an agreement or resolution was achieved through conversation and not by other means, such as voting or force.

Common error

Avoid using "by discussion" when a decision was made unilaterally or without genuine input from all parties involved. This can mislead readers and misrepresent the decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by discussion" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the method or means by which something is achieved. It answers the question of how an action was performed, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as resolving disagreements or reaching consensus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by discussion" is a prevalent and grammatically sound way to describe a process of reaching agreement or resolving disputes through conversation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various formal and informal contexts, with a strong presence in scientific and news reporting. When using "by discussion", ensure that the context genuinely reflects a collaborative process, avoiding its misuse for unilateral decisions. Alternatives such as "through deliberation" or "via consultation" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through conversation

Simply emphasizes the act of talking together.

through deliberation

Focuses more on the process of careful and thorough consideration.

via consultation

Emphasizes seeking advice and opinions from others.

after conferring

Highlights the act of consulting each other to exchange opinions or seek advice.

by means of dialogue

Highlights the exchange of words and ideas between parties.

following a debate

Emphasizes the aspect of arguing different sides of an issue.

by way of negotiation

Implies a more formal and structured discussion aimed at reaching a compromise.

through mutual understanding

Highlights achieving agreement and empathy in the resolution process.

with collaborative input

Highlights the cooperative aspect of the process, where multiple parties contribute to the decision.

using a consensus-based approach

Emphasizes that the goal is to achieve widespread agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "by discussion" to describe how a decision was reached or how a problem was solved, for example: "The team resolved the conflict "by discussion"." or "The new policy was created "by discussion" among all members."

What are some alternatives to "by discussion"?

Alternatives to "by discussion" include phrases like "through deliberation", "via consultation", or "through conversation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "by discussion"?

It's appropriate to use "by discussion" when you want to emphasize that a decision or agreement was reached through a collaborative process involving talking and exchanging ideas. This indicates a method where mutual understanding and input were key.

What is the difference between "by discussion" and "by debate"?

"By discussion" suggests a collaborative and open exchange of ideas aiming to reach a consensus. "By debate", on the other hand, implies a more formal and structured argument where different sides are presented, potentially leading to a decision that favors one viewpoint over others.