course of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'course of discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the subject or topics that are discussed in a conversation, debate, or other exchange of views. For example: "It was clear that the speakers had different ideas about the course of discussion, but eventually they managed to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The New Yorker, December 4 , 1937P. 23 In course of discussion about sports with a taxi-driver, he said.

The New Yorker

By Ernest LaFrance and St. Clair McKelway The New Yorker, December 4 , 1937P. 23 In course of discussion about sports with a taxi-driver, he said.

The New Yorker

I mean, in the course of discussion things happen, people interrupt and they either say sorry or let me finish – it happens.

The New York Times

With its army gaining ground against the intruders and foreign powers backing its demand that they must withdraw, India is "willing to try a course of discussion and dialogue," says a western diplomat.

The Economist

Many of Austin's most distinctive reflections on the use of language arise in the course of discussion of other topics (see especially his "A Plea for Excuses" 1957).

SEP

Anger from students against divestment derailed the course of discussion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr Juncker accused Athens of playing games in the course of discussions, expressing his frustration at the deadlock.

Independent

He added that "in the course of discussions, there is an exchange of information just in the ordinary course of talking".

The Guardian

Philanthropy need not always be its own reward and, in the course of discussions, Bono seems to have made an off-topic request to Hillary's people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Newcomers, unsure of their judgment, find the explanations given by dealers in the course of discussions more reassuring than those offered by auction houses, inevitably less detailed.

The New York Times - Arts

But gradually, through the course of discussions of health and human rights, both women and men in Malicounda Bambara turned against F.G.C.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "course of discussion" when you want to emphasize the procedural aspect of a dialogue, rather than simply the subject matter itself.

Common error

Avoid using "course of discussion" when you only mean the topic being discussed. Instead of saying 'The course of discussion was climate change', say 'The topic of discussion was climate change' if you're not referring to the progression of the conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "course of discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'in the course of discussion'). It signifies the progression or flow of a conversation or debate, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "course of discussion" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the unfolding progression of topics in a conversation or debate. While not exceedingly common, as indicated by Ludwig, it appears in reputable sources across news, science, and business contexts. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, making it versatile for various writing needs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to the procedural aspect of the conversation, rather than simply the topic itself. Consider alternatives like "topic of conversation" or "subject under discussion" if you intend to focus solely on the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject under discussion

Focuses on the topic rather than the process.

topic of conversation

Emphasizes the conversational aspect.

line of reasoning

Highlights the logical progression of a discussion.

matter at hand

Focuses on the immediate issue being discussed.

point of debate

Specifically refers to a contested issue.

area of discourse

Highlights a wider field of discussion.

theme of dialogue

Highlights a central topic of dialogue.

thrust of conversation

Emphasizes the main direction of a conversation.

tenor of the debate

Focuses on the overall character and tone of the debate.

content of the exchange

Highlights the information and ideas being exchanged.

FAQs

How can I use "course of discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "course of discussion" to describe the unfolding topics or arguments in a conversation, for example: "In the "course of discussion", several new ideas emerged".

What is a good alternative to "course of discussion"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "course of discussion" include "subject under discussion", "topic of conversation", or "line of reasoning".

Is it appropriate to use "course of discussion" in formal writing?

Yes, "course of discussion" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and appears in reputable sources such as academic papers and news articles.

What's the difference between "course of discussion" and "topic of discussion"?

"Course of discussion" refers to the progression of topics during a conversation, while "topic of discussion" simply refers to the subject being discussed.