civil discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

"civil discourse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a conversation or discussion that is polite, and conducted in an orderly and respectful manner. For example, "We had a civil discourse about the current political situation, without resorting to any personal attacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One, it is seen as an eroding of civility or a disruption of civil discourse.

The New York Times

Civil discourse = bad ratings.

The New Yorker

"Engage in civil discourse without being uncivil".

The Guardian

Where is the boundary of civil discourse?

The Washington Post

In the place of civil discourse, rage ruled.

The New York Times

A lot of its work focuses on reinvigorating civil discourse.

The Washington Post

"Like, you can handle it". How's that for civil discourse?

The Washington Post

I say stand up — for America, for common humanity, for civil discourse.

The New York Times

Both Republicans and Democrats promised more civil discourse in Thursday's hearing.

The New York Times

What is needed, and has been lacking, though, is informed civil discourse.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Millions were raised for a National Institute for Civil Discourse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When calling for "civil discourse", ensure you are also creating an environment where all participants feel safe and heard.

Common error

Don't mistake "civil discourse" for agreement or consensus. It simply means engaging respectfully, even when disagreeing strongly. The goal is understanding and progress, not necessarily uniformity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "civil discourse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the concept of engaging in respectful and productive conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "civil discourse" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe respectful and productive conversation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly within news and media. While related phrases like "respectful dialogue" or "productive discussion" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, the core concept emphasizes the importance of civility in communication. Remember, civility doesn't equate to agreement, but rather to a commitment to understanding different perspectives. Promoting "civil discourse" involves fostering an environment where all voices are heard and respected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectful dialogue

Emphasizes the respectful nature of the conversation.

respectful exchange of ideas

Explicitly mentions the exchange of ideas within a respectful framework.

productive discussion

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of the exchange.

courteous debate

Focuses on the politeness within a disagreement.

reasoned conversation

Stresses the logical and rational basis of the discussion.

constructive exchange

Highlights the building and positive nature of the interaction.

collegial discussion

Highlights the professional and cooperative tone of the conversation.

polite conversation

Simple emphasis on politeness.

temperate discussion

Focuses on moderation and control in the exchange.

measured debate

Implies a careful and deliberate approach to the discussion.

FAQs

How can I promote "civil discourse" in online discussions?

Encourage respectful language, moderate personal attacks, and emphasize finding common ground. Setting clear guidelines for communication can also help foster a more productive environment.

What are the benefits of engaging in "civil discourse"?

It promotes understanding, encourages collaboration, and allows for a more nuanced exploration of complex issues. It can also lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

What's the difference between "civil discourse" and debate?

"Civil discourse" emphasizes mutual respect and understanding, while debate often focuses on winning an argument. Civil discourse seeks common ground, while debate seeks to prove a point.

When is it acceptable to abandon "civil discourse"?

Some argue that when faced with hate speech, threats, or deliberate misinformation, prioritizing safety and justice may outweigh the need for civil discourse. However, this is a complex and context-dependent decision.