discuss something

USAGE SUMMARY

"discuss something" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when asking or instructing someone to talk about a particular topic or issue. For example: "Please take a few minutes to discuss the results of the survey with your team." "In this essay, we will discuss the impact of social media on modern society." "During the meeting, we will discuss the proposed changes to the company's policies." "I would like to discuss the terms of the contract before we sign it." Overall, "discuss something" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to indicate a conversation or examination of a specific subject.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you want to discuss something that is not directly related to class discussion, wait until before or after class.

WikiHow

She wanted to travel 150 miles to discuss something.

The Guardian

It's not necessary with your friends to discuss something you know you will disagree profoundly on.

Independent

And, if so, do they discuss something other than a man?

The New Yorker

When Ms. Lengsfeld and her husband wanted to discuss something private, they took a walk.

The New York Times

How can you discuss something with someone who never calls his mother?

The New York Times

He seemed ready to discuss something, anything, other than his old scandal.

The New York Times - Sports

If you know any investors, have them call me and we can discuss something.

The New York Times

Instead, he says "Yes, and... " — an improv principle that allows people to discuss something without disagreeing.

The New York Times

And Aristotle goes on then to discuss something that we'll talk about in about five weeks.

Yale University

And I don't want discuss something that can affect my concentration for that fight".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discuss something", ensure the context provides clarity on the topic being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We need to discuss something", specify what needs to be discussed: "We need to discuss the budget for next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "discuss something" without specifying the subject, as it can create uncertainty and lack of focus. Instead, be specific about the topic to ensure clear communication and productive dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discuss something" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "discuss" is a transitive verb requiring an object ("something"). This phrase indicates the action of talking about a particular topic or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discuss something" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce or propose a conversation on a particular topic. Ludwig AI insights, together with numerous examples, show its versatility across different registers. While its meaning is generally clear, it's often best practice to specify the 'something' to enhance clarity and focus. Alternatives such as "talk about something" or "address a topic" can be used depending on the context. Ultimately, "discuss something" is a valuable tool for effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk about something

Uses "talk" instead of "discuss", implying a potentially less formal or structured conversation.

address a topic

Replaces "discuss" with "address", suggesting a more direct or formal approach to the subject.

consider an issue

Emphasizes the act of thinking about and evaluating the topic, rather than simply talking about it.

examine a subject

Suggests a more detailed and analytical exploration of the topic at hand.

go over something

Implies a review or summary of the topic, often in a quick or informal manner.

touch on a matter

Indicates a brief or superficial discussion of the topic.

hash out details

Focuses on working through the specific points or problems of the topic to reach a resolution.

deliberate on a theme

Implies a careful and thoughtful consideration of a central idea or subject.

exchange views on a subject

Focuses on the sharing of opinions and perspectives regarding the topic.

ventilate an opinion

Suggests the act of expressing opinions openly and freely regarding the topic.

FAQs

How do I use "discuss something" in a sentence?

You can use "discuss something" when you want to talk about a particular topic. For example, "Let's "discuss something" important during the meeting" or "I need to "discuss something" with you privately".

What are some alternatives to "discuss something"?

Alternatives include phrases like "talk about something", "address a topic", or "go over something", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify what "something" is when using "discuss something"?

While it's grammatically correct, it's best practice to specify the topic to avoid vagueness. Being specific leads to clearer communication. However, sometimes the context may make the topic clear, in which case it may not be necessary.

What is the difference between "discuss something" and "mention something"?

"Discuss something" implies a deeper conversation or examination of a topic, whereas "mention something" simply means to bring it up briefly.