discussing what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discussing what" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when introducing a topic or question that is to be elaborated on in a discussion. For example: "We are discussing what the implications of the new policy might be." Alternative expressions include "talking about" and "considering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Most people are discussing what is next".

The New York Times

This chapter begins by discussing what security means.

Security Risks in Social Media Technologies Safe Practices in Public Service Applications

We're discussing what the alternatives are.

The Guardian

A lot of people sit around discussing what to do.

The New York Times - Magazine

She avoided discussing what that forbearance was worth". Read more.

The New Yorker

We were discussing what makes a good parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She avoided discussing what that forbearance was worth.

The New Yorker

"And everyone was discussing what the ad should be.

The New Yorker

They were discussing what stance to take on Islamic terrorism.

The New Yorker

Numerous commissioning editors are discussing what they want and why.

The Guardian - Film

We conclude by discussing what topics will likely be important for models to address in the future.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discussing what" to clearly introduce the subject of a conversation or analysis. It works well when you're about to elaborate on a specific issue or question.

Common error

While versatile, "discussing what" can sometimes sound less formal. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "analyzing what" or "examining what" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussing what" functions as a gerund phrase, often used to introduce the subject of a sentence or clause. As Ludwig AI shows, it effectively sets the stage for further explanation or analysis of a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discussing what" is a versatile gerund phrase used to introduce the subject of a conversation or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Understanding its function and usage patterns helps writers employ this phrase effectively to clearly signal their communicative intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talking about what

Replaces "discussing" with a more informal synonym.

considering what

Emphasizes a more thoughtful and deliberate examination of the topic.

analyzing what

Highlights a detailed and systematic examination.

examining what

Focuses on close inspection and investigation.

exploring what

Suggests a more open-ended and exploratory approach.

investigating what

Implies a formal inquiry or fact-finding process.

debating what

Indicates a more argumentative or contested discussion.

pondering what

Suggests a reflective and contemplative consideration.

deliberating on what

Highlights a careful and thorough process of decision-making.

addressing what

Focuses on directly dealing with or confronting the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "discussing what" to introduce a topic or question that will be explored further. For example, "We are "discussing what" the implications of the new policy might be."

What are some alternatives to "discussing what"?

You can use alternatives like "talking about what", "considering what", or "analyzing what" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "discussing what" or "about what"?

"Discussing what" is generally more direct and concise. "Discussing about what" is often considered redundant, as "discuss" already implies "about". So, ""discussing what"" is the preferred choice.

When is it appropriate to use "discussing what"?

It's suitable in most contexts where you want to introduce a topic being examined or debated, ranging from casual conversations to academic analyses. However, in very formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives.