discussing matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discussing matters" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used as a verb phrase to indicate a conversation or exchange of ideas on a particular topic or subject. Example: During the meeting, we spent a lot of time discussing matters related to the company's financial situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Hinckley did not seem interested in discussing matters of theology.

The New Yorker

For the second week in a row, union and management clashed over discussing matters in public.

The New York Times - Sports

They often sit together at games, discussing matters "from the profound to the adolescent," Stern said.

The New York Times - Sports

She has been upfront in discussing matters of sexism in the workplace.

The New York Times

They spoke on the condition that they not be identified discussing matters Wal-Mart has long shielded.

The New York Times

So the MDG exercise has at least made them spend three days discussing matters they might prefer to ignore.

The Economist

The companies continued negotiations, discussing matters like job reductions and possible asset divestitures aimed at winning antitrust approval.

The New York Times

He likes discussing matters of style and usage with people who care about and appreciate those things.

The New York Times - Books

Mailing lists are an excellent way of getting help with problems and discussing matters of common interest.

The Guardian

They handed in a petition at the town hall and then stood in excited groups, discussing matters.

The New York Times - Magazine

The officer spoke on condition of anonymity, as did other officials, because he was discussing matters of military planning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "discussing matters" with a prepositional phrase (e.g., "discussing matters of finance") or a clause that specifies the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "discussing matters" in very casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "talking about stuff" or "chatting about things" to maintain a relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussing matters" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates an ongoing action of exchanging ideas or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discussing matters" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of talking or deliberating about specific topics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While generally suitable for neutral to professional settings, it's advisable to opt for more informal alternatives in casual conversations. It is important to consider the nuances of related phrases like "addressing issues" or "debating questions" to ensure they fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addressing issues

Focuses on dealing with specific problems or concerns, implying a problem-solving approach.

deliberating on topics

Suggests a more formal and structured discussion, often in a decision-making context.

talking about subjects

A more general and less formal way of expressing the same idea, suitable for casual conversation.

examining concerns

Highlights a careful and detailed investigation of specific worries or problems.

considering points

Emphasizes the act of thoughtful evaluation of different arguments or perspectives.

conversing about things

A broader term, implying a less structured and more casual exchange of ideas.

reviewing aspects

Implies a systematic examination of different parts or elements of a situation.

negotiating terms

Specifies a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

consulting on items

Implies seeking advice or expertise from someone else on particular matters.

debating questions

Suggests a formal argument or contest of ideas with opposing viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "discussing matters" in a sentence?

You can use "discussing matters" to describe conversations or deliberations, such as: "The committee spent hours discussing matters related to the budget."

What's a more casual alternative to "discussing matters"?

For informal situations, consider using phrases like "talking about things" or "chatting about stuff".

Is it better to say "discussing matters" or "addressing issues"?

The choice depends on the context. "Discussing matters" is a general term, while "addressing issues" implies a focus on problem-solving.

When should I use "discussing matters" instead of "debating questions"?

"Discussing matters" is suitable for general conversations. Use "debating questions" when there are opposing viewpoints and a formal argument is taking place.