conducting discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

"conducting discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of having a conversation or formal talk. For example: "The group was divided into smaller teams, each responsible for conducting discussions on various topics".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The international affairs secretary will be conducting discussions with a range of representatives from consulates tomorrow".

The Guardian

Any one of these television personalities brings name recognition as well as experience in conducting discussions.

The Washington Post

According to the IEO this was an efficient mechanism for conducting discussions with governments but at the expense of the IMF's "characteristic agility as a crisis manager".

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Jones has been working on this project for about three years, conducting discussions with members of the Border Patrol, illegal aliens and random people on the subway, among others.

The New York Times

The cost of arranging focus groups can be kept to a minimum by using your own networks to invite participants and conducting discussions on your own premises or those of the people you work with.

The Guardian

The committee's report is due by the end of this year, and while Campbell anticipates that some may see it as an exercise in political correctness and others as a completely inadequate response, he hopes that it will provide a model for universities with similar histories to use in conducting discussions about their past.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Course assistants (CAs) help an instructor teach a course by conducting discussion sections, consulting with students, and grading examinations.

Stanford University

He said his aim is to conduct discussions that are "deeper and more substantive than the usual celebrity interview".

The New York Times

On Saturday, October 6th, New Yorker writers will conduct discussions with the musician and poet Patti Smith, the shoe designer Christian Louboutin, and the graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, among others.

The New Yorker

In preparation for its Sept. 17 premiere, Burns and Novick screened clips of the documentary and conducted discussions about it all over the country.

The Washington Post

The council is working with the Nuffield Curriculum Centre to develop resources that will help teachers conduct discussions on this topic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conducting discussions", clearly define the purpose and scope of the discussions to ensure they remain focused and productive.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences such as "Discussions are being conducted". Instead, use active voice: "The team is conducting discussions" for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conducting discussions" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. Ludwig shows it's used to describe the act of leading or facilitating organized conversations. It emphasizes the active management of the discussion process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conducting discussions" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed gerund phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the action of leading or managing organized conversations, typically in formal or professional settings. While alternative phrases like "facilitating dialogues" or "leading conversations" offer slight variations in emphasis, the core meaning remains consistent. When using the phrase, it's advisable to maintain an active voice and define the discussion's purpose clearly for optimal communication. Common usage contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, span across news media, scientific literature, and formal business communications. The phrase appears very often.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading conversations

Focuses on guiding the flow of dialogue, differing from simply facilitating it.

facilitating dialogues

Emphasizes making dialogue easier and more effective, implying a smoother process.

holding talks

Suggests a more formal setting for discussions, often involving negotiations or important matters.

undertaking deliberations

Implies a more thoughtful and careful process of discussing something before making a decision.

engaging in discourse

Highlights the active participation and exchange of ideas in a structured manner.

carrying out negotiations

Specifically refers to discussions aimed at reaching an agreement, often in business or politics.

hosting symposiums

Suggests a formal academic setting for presenting and discussing research or ideas.

organizing panels

Implies structuring discussions with a selected group of experts or representatives.

managing debates

Focuses on controlling the flow of arguments and counter-arguments within a discussion.

steering conversations

Implies a deliberate effort to guide a discussion toward a specific topic or outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "conducting discussions" in a sentence?

Use "conducting discussions" to describe a formal or organized conversational exchange, such as "The manager is "conducting discussions" with employees to gather feedback".

What are some alternatives to "conducting discussions"?

Alternatives include "leading conversations", "facilitating dialogues", or "holding talks", depending on the specific context and formality level.

In what contexts is "conducting discussions" most appropriate?

"Conducting discussions" is suitable for formal or professional settings where organized conversations are necessary, such as business meetings, academic research, or policy debates.

What's the difference between "conducting discussions" and simply "having a discussion"?

"Conducting discussions" implies a more structured and purposeful approach, suggesting that someone is actively managing or facilitating the conversation. "Having a discussion" is a more general and informal term.