constructive discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'constructive discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a conversation or debate that is focused on finding a solution or compromise. For example: "We had a constructive discussion about the project, and we eventually reached an agreement everyone was happy with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was a productive, constructive discussion," a senior American diplomat said after today's meeting.

The New York Times

Is it possible to have a constructive discussion of race in relation to contemporary poetry?

The New Yorker

"We had hoped to have a detailed and constructive discussion of those ideas," Ms. Ashton said.

The New York Times

It's a way off being decided but it was certainly a constructive discussion".

Independent

They say that making a mockery of marginalised people's concerns about representation and appropriation does not constitute a constructive discussion.

The Guardian - Books

He welcomed creative ideas, constructive discussion, and never stopped encouraging young people to consider public service as the highest calling.

The New York Times

A spokesman for G.M., Greg Martin, said the executives had a "frank and constructive discussion" about Detroit's "deteriorating liquidity situation".

The New York Times

"I don't think there was enough engagement or constructive discussion with the unions about what might be.

The New York Times

But in a statement issued over the weekend, Dabhol said it was "still open to constructive discussion on the solutions".

The New York Times

Mexico's President Felipe Calderón will not push the G20 mandate of "promoting open and constructive discussion … on key issues related to global economic stability".

The Guardian - Opinion

The Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, said: "I'm ready to participate in a substantial and constructive discussion on private-sector involvement".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "constructive discussion", clearly define the goals beforehand. This ensures participants remain focused and the conversation yields tangible outcomes. Prepare supporting data or arguments to encourage an evidence-based conversation.

Common error

Don't assume a discussion is automatically "constructive". If the objectives are not clear, the discussion risks becoming unproductive and may veer off-topic. Ensure participants understand the desired outcomes before initiating the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constructive discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where "constructive" modifies "discussion". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly adheres to standard English grammar. It is commonly used to describe a dialog that aims at producing useful results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constructive discussion" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a productive conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various sources, including news, science, and business. The phrase suggests a conversation focused on solutions and progress. To ensure a truly constructive exchange, define clear goals and foster a respectful environment. When looking for alternatives, consider "valuable discussion" or "productive discussion" to convey similar meanings with subtle nuances. Remember to avoid vague objectives that can derail the discussion's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable discussion

Emphasizes the worth and importance of the discussion.

productive discussion

Highlights the efficiency and output of the discussion.

fruitful discussion

Suggests the discussion yielded positive results or benefits.

effective discussion

Focuses on the success of the discussion in achieving its goals.

useful discussion

Indicates the practical applicability of the discussion.

successful discussion

Highlights the accomplishment of the discussion's objectives.

active discussion

Implies engagement and participation during the discussion.

excellent discussion

Emphasizes the high quality and merit of the discussion.

positive dialogue

Replaces "discussion" with "dialogue", emphasizing a back-and-forth exchange with a positive connotation.

meaningful conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", highlighting the depth and significance of the exchange.

FAQs

How can I encourage a "constructive discussion"?

To encourage a "constructive discussion", set clear objectives, foster an environment of respect, and ensure all participants have an opportunity to share their views. Active listening and a focus on solutions are also crucial.

What are some alternatives to "constructive discussion"?

You can use alternatives such as "valuable discussion", "productive discussion", or "fruitful discussion" depending on the specific context.

What makes a discussion "constructive" rather than just a discussion?

A "constructive discussion" is characterized by its focus on building solutions, finding common ground, and moving forward in a positive manner. It contrasts with discussions that are purely argumentative or unproductive.

In what contexts is "constructive discussion" most appropriate?

The phrase "constructive discussion" is suitable in various contexts, including professional settings, academic environments, and public discourse, where the goal is to achieve understanding and progress.