conduct a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'conduct a discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to leading or facilitating an exchange of opinions or ideas, either in a group or between two people. For example, "Our teacher asked us to conduct a discussion about the themes in the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Present your report to the class, then conduct a discussion about bias in reporting.

The New York Times

Conduct a discussion about the role of craft in today's world, focusing on the following questions: How do you define "craft"?

The New York Times

The City Club of New York will conduct a discussion following a luncheon on Friday, April 14, at the National Arts Club, at 15 Gramercy Park South.

The New York Times

Mr Riggall hopes that cinema-goers watching this at the same time around the world will conduct a discussion across social-networking sites and across cultures.

The Economist

After students share their initial reactions, conduct a discussion based on the following questions: Would your response to this image be different if you saw it in a home?

The New York Times

Conduct a discussion about the effectiveness of music in conveying messages using the following questions: –What about the lyrics or beat of this song is compelling to the issue it addresses?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

After the conclusion of general questioning, the court asked to see counsel and conducted a discussion off the record.

Cornell University

Mr. Gore voiced a similar theme aboard the riverboat, the Mark Twain, as he conducted a discussion this morning on tax cuts with several area residents who had been brought aboard as props.

The New York Times

This book not only provides a comprehensive overview of the debate on competition goals, but also conducts a discussion of the impact of competition goals on merger cases by taking a comparative view.

Stanford University

The lead conducts a discussion of the main points.

TechCrunch

The next section conducts a discussion on the evaluation of AMT systems.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conduct a discussion" in academic or professional writing, clearly define the objectives and scope of the discussion beforehand to ensure a focused and productive exchange.

Common error

Avoid framing "conduct a discussion" as strictly controlling the conversation. Instead, focus on guiding and facilitating a collaborative exchange of ideas. Otherwise, it might be better to say "lead a discussion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conduct a discussion" functions as a verb phrase, where "conduct" acts as a transitive verb taking "a discussion" as its direct object. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, showcasing its established usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conduct a discussion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe leading or managing a conversation or exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across various fields, including news, academia, and science. While "lead a discussion" is a close synonym, "conduct a discussion" suggests a more organized and structured approach. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and strive to facilitate a collaborative and productive exchange, rather than strictly controlling the conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead a discussion

Focuses on guiding the conversation, similar to conducting.

hold a discussion

Emphasizes the act of having a discussion.

facilitate a discussion

Highlights the role of making the discussion easier and more productive.

moderate a discussion

Suggests a more formal and controlled management of the discussion.

orchestrate a discussion

Implies carefully planning and guiding the discussion.

manage a discussion

Focuses on controlling the flow and topics of the discussion.

organize a discussion

Highlights the preparatory work involved in setting up the discussion.

run a discussion

Suggests a practical and straightforward management of the discussion.

preside over a discussion

Implies a formal authority leading the discussion.

spearhead a discussion

Emphasizes initiating and leading the discussion with enthusiasm.

FAQs

What does "conduct a discussion" mean?

To "conduct a discussion" means to organize, lead, and guide a conversation or exchange of ideas, ensuring it stays focused and productive.

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

You can use "conduct a discussion" to describe leading a meeting, a class debate, or any structured conversation. For example, "The professor will "conduct a discussion" on the novel's themes."

Which is more appropriate, "conduct a discussion" or "lead a discussion"?

Both "conduct a discussion" and "lead a discussion" are appropriate. "Lead a discussion" emphasizes guidance and direction, while "conduct a discussion" implies a more organized and managed approach.

What are some alternatives to "conduct a discussion"?

You can use alternatives such as "hold a discussion", "facilitate a discussion", or "moderate a discussion", depending on the specific context and your role in the conversation.