discuss things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discuss things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having a conversation or dialogue about various topics or subjects. Example: "During the meeting, we will discuss things related to the upcoming project and its timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they discuss things.

The Guardian

We discuss things without fighting".

The New York Times - Sports

Bulgaria has called time to discuss things.

The New York Times

So you discuss things in other ways.

The New York Times - Arts

We can ask questions and discuss things.

The New York Times

We don't discuss things like that".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We'd sit holding hands and we'd discuss things.

The New Yorker

Which is not to say we don't heatedly discuss things.

The New Yorker

"I don't discuss things with my wife," he says.

The New York Times

David had said that they ought to discuss things.

The New Yorker

'I'm too old to discuss things, Mr Rilke.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discuss things", ensure the context is clear and the subjects of discussion are either explicitly stated or easily inferred. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "discuss things" when the specific topics are unknown or irrelevant to the reader. Instead, either specify the subjects being discussed or use a more general term like "matters" or "issues" if the specifics aren't important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discuss things" functions as a verb phrase, where "discuss" is the main verb indicating the action of talking about something, and "things" is a direct object, albeit a vague one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discuss things" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates the act of talking about various topics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news, general conversation, and even some business settings, it's important to consider its potential vagueness, especially in formal writing. When greater clarity is required, more specific alternatives like "talk about matters" or "deliberate on issues" might be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances, you can use "discuss things" effectively while avoiding potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk about matters

Replaces "discuss" with "talk about" and "things" with "matters", implying a focus on important subjects.

converse on subjects

Uses a more formal verb "converse" and replaces "things" with "subjects", suggesting a more structured discussion.

deliberate on issues

Suggests a careful and considered discussion of problems or concerns.

hash over details

Implies a thorough and perhaps lengthy discussion of specific details.

exchange views

Focuses on the sharing of opinions and perspectives.

confer about topics

Implies a formal meeting or consultation to discuss specific topics.

debate points

Suggests a more argumentative or persuasive style of discussion.

thrash out problems

Indicates an intense and potentially difficult discussion aimed at resolving problems.

consult on affairs

Implies seeking advice or guidance while discussing important matters.

negotiate terms

Focuses on reaching an agreement through discussion, particularly in business or legal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "discuss things" in a sentence?

You can use "discuss things" to indicate a conversation or exchange of ideas about various subjects. For example, "We need to "talk about matters" before making a decision" or "The team will "converse on subjects" related to the project."

What are some alternatives to "discuss things"?

Some alternatives to "discuss things" include "talk about matters", "converse on subjects", "deliberate on issues", or "exchange views". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "discuss things" too vague for formal writing?

In formal writing, "discuss things" can sometimes be perceived as vague. It is often better to specify the subjects being discussed to provide more clarity. Consider using phrases like "discuss key issues" or "discuss strategic options" for a more precise and professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "discuss things"?

It is appropriate to use "discuss things" when the subjects of discussion are either already clear from the context or when the specific topics are less important than the act of having a discussion. It's suitable for general conversations or informal settings.