competent to discuss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competent to discuss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's ability or qualifications to engage in a conversation or debate on a specific topic. Example: "The committee members are all competent to discuss the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Before I use an example from my own work, I want to mention that I am the only writer whose work I am competent to discuss; it would be presumptuous of me to analyze or assign purpose to other writers.

The New Yorker

This discussion is in no way intended to impugn or to doubt Germany's over-all commitment to the discovery, the study, and the consideration of its history (which, in any case, I'm not competent to discuss); it relates solely to the aesthetic qualities and moral implications of a single memorial.

The New Yorker

(There is also a rich literature on the topic in Eastern philosophy, which I am not competent to discuss; Collins 1982 and Jinpa 2002 are useful sources).

SEP

Trade issues are highly sensitive in Samoa, which accounted for the small sample; few people were willing to or felt competent to discuss the trade issues in detail.

BMC Public Health

Although the United Kingdom's (UK's) General Medical Council (GMC) recommends that graduating medical students are competent to discuss obesity and behaviour change with patients, it is difficult to integrate this education into existing curricula, and clinicians report being unprepared to support patients needing obesity management in practice.

BMC Medical Education

Ellis wrote that the problems of modern psychology required "something more than a merely logical equipment; they require a very considerable physiological and even pathological equipment" and that anyone who could suggest, for instance, that melancholia lacked a physical basis was evidently "not competent to discuss the nature of emotion" (Ellis, 1895, p. 160).

Emotion Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sarah Palin, with her reliance on spouting talking points, simplistic approach to issues and complete lack of experience beyond a half term as governor of a state the size of Columbus, Ohio, is not competent to be discussing North Korea.

Huffington Post

Not only will it create a sense of loneliness for the individual midwife but midwives may seek to appear competent because they lack the trust and confidence to discuss their lack of competence with colleagues [ 18].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Patients are not only more compliant when they perceive their doctors as being competent, supportive and respectful, but also more likely to discuss important information such as medication compliance, end-of-life wishes or sexual histories.

BMJ Open

Is it ever ethical not to discuss a DNAR decision with a competent patient?

British Journal of Cancer

The vast majority of families (78.6%), physicians (74.8%) and nurses (75%) want to discuss end-of-life decisions with competent patients.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competent to discuss" when you want to emphasize that someone has the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to engage in a conversation or analysis on a specific topic effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "competent to discuss" in very casual or informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "able to talk about" or "know enough about" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competent to discuss" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing someone's ability or qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competent to discuss" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal way to describe someone's ability to engage in a conversation or analysis about a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms that it's commonly used in professional and academic contexts. While alternatives like "qualified to discuss" or "able to discuss" may sometimes be more suitable for informal settings, "competent to discuss" effectively conveys that an individual has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute meaningfully to a conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified to discuss

Emphasizes formal qualifications or training.

able to discuss

Focuses on the general ability or capacity.

capable of discussing

Highlights the inherent capacity to engage in discussion.

equipped to discuss

Stresses the possession of necessary knowledge or tools.

knowledgeable enough to discuss

Specifically highlights the possession of sufficient knowledge.

well-informed enough to discuss

Highlights a good level of information about the subject.

sufficiently versed to discuss

More formal; emphasizes experience and knowledge in the area.

in a position to discuss

Focuses on having the right standing or authority.

authorized to discuss

Emphasizes formal permission or authorization.

prepared to discuss

Focuses on readiness and having done necessary preparation.

FAQs

How can I use "competent to discuss" in a sentence?

You can use "competent to discuss" to indicate someone's ability to engage in a subject matter, such as, "The panel is comprised of experts who are "competent to discuss" the economic implications of the policy."

What are some alternatives to "competent to discuss"?

Alternatives include "qualified to discuss", "able to discuss", or "capable of discussing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "competent to discuss" formal or informal?

"Competent to discuss" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts.

What does it mean to be "competent to discuss" something?

To be "competent to discuss" a topic means having sufficient knowledge, skills, and understanding to engage in a meaningful and informed conversation about it.