discourse on

USAGE SUMMARY

"discourse on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate someone talking or writing at length about something. For example, "The professor was asked to discourse on the history of the local area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should optimize balanced information and help avoid a one-sided positive discourse on screening.

BMC Medical Ethics

We shy away from discourse on death.

The New York Times

(Allen Iverson's discourse on practice is another).

The New Yorker

Five misconceptions dominate the Western media's discourse on China.

The New York Times

AMERICA needs a new political discourse on energy.

The New York Times

The first reason is the frenzied public discourse on immigration.

Independent

Lengthy discourse on sea cucumbers and sea slugs.

The New Yorker

Common sense would suggest a calmer discourse on bankers.

The Economist

It influenced political discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Guardian - Books

Adams read Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Discourse on Inequality" in translation.

The New York Times - Books

A grand and penetrating discourse on religion and American law.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discourse on" to introduce a comprehensive exploration of a topic. Ensure the context warrants a detailed and structured discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "discourse on" in casual conversation; it sounds overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "discussion about" or "talk about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discourse on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing the subject of a detailed and structured discussion or written work. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discourse on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a detailed and structured exploration of a topic. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's most appropriate in formal, academic, and professional contexts. While highly versatile, avoid overusing it in informal settings. Alternatives such as "discussion about" or "conversation regarding" may be more suitable in casual contexts. Key insights include recognizing its formal register and leveraging its strength in signaling a comprehensive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion regarding

Emphasizes a more structured and focused examination.

conversation about

Focuses on an exchange of ideas, often less formal.

dialogue about

Focuses on an interactive exchange, often with multiple perspectives.

treatise on

Suggests a formal and systematic written work.

deliberation on

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration.

analysis of

Implies a detailed examination and interpretation.

examination of

Denotes a careful and detailed inspection.

commentary on

Indicates an explanation or interpretation of a subject.

lecture on

Indicates a formal presentation of information.

exploration of

Conveys an investigative approach to understanding a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "discourse on" in a sentence?

Use "discourse on" to introduce a formal and structured exploration of a topic. For example, "The panel will present a "discourse on" the impact of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "discourse on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conversation about", "discussion regarding", or "treatise on".

When is it appropriate to use "discourse on"?

It's appropriate to use "discourse on" in formal settings, academic writing, and professional contexts where a detailed and structured discussion is warranted.

What's the difference between "discourse on" and "discussion about"?

"Discourse on" suggests a more formal and comprehensive exploration, while "discussion about" implies a more general and potentially less structured exchange of ideas.