discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to conversations or exchanges of ideas on a particular topic. Example: "The discussions held during the meeting were very productive and led to several actionable outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll enjoy seeing my pregnant wife, I'll enjoy seeing a few sheep," Cook said of his plans for that much discussed return, which will include significant discussions with Andy Flower, the head coach, and Paul Downton, managing director of England cricket, regarding the team's immediate future.

The Guardian - Sport

I have had discussions with publishers on that on at least two occasions, and would happily discuss it jointly with publishers and [Jarvis] so he can hear their views first hand".

The Guardian - Books

Wikipedia says that "sock-puppetry" – creating a fake online identity "for an improper purpose, such as to mislead other editors, disrupt discussions, distort consensus or avoid sanctions" – is not permitted.

The Guardian

BBC management had "verbal discussions" with BBC Worldwide, agreeing to meet the cost of her departure from the licence fee if she left the commercial division within two years.

The Guardian

Throughout our discussions, he portrayed himself as a man reluctant to stay with the group, and yet unwilling to risk any attempt to leave.

The Guardian

The letter to protesters, which was sent on Friday, said the university's response has so far been "reasonable and proportionate" and that it still hoped for a peaceful resolution and discussions.

The Guardian

She went on: "We are currently in discussions with our coalition partners about what we will be doing in this area".

The Guardian

Darling, who had asked Osborne after he assumed the leadership of Better Together in 2012 for Treasury back-up, had his ammunition as he joined forces with Dunlop to embark on a final round of discussions ahead of the chancellor's announcement in a speech in Edinburgh on 13 February.

The Guardian

We had private discussions in our campaign meeting about not wanting to go ahead too early".

The Guardian

We look forward to having fruitful discussions on that basis".

The Guardian - Sport

But we can and will rebuild | Tristram Hunt Miliband, who quit as an MP when his brother beat him to the Labour leadership in 2010, said he would not be returning to British politics for now, but hinted he might be more involved in discussions about the future of Labour now that he is finally free of the soap opera surrounding him and his brother.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "conversations", "talks", or "dialogues" to avoid repetition, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "discussions" in vague contexts without specifying what is being discussed. Instead of saying "there were discussions", be specific: "there were discussions about budget allocation and project timelines".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the noun "discussions" is to denote the act of talking about something, usually in a formal and serious way. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a noun within a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Discussions" is a commonly used noun referring to the exchange of ideas or opinions, often in a structured or formal setting. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It functions primarily to facilitate communication and understanding across various contexts, from news and business to scientific research. While relatively neutral in tone, it implies a level of seriousness that sets it apart from casual conversation. By considering the specific context and purpose, and avoiding vagueness, you can effectively employ "discussions" in your writing. Related phrases such as "conversations", "talks", and "dialogues" provide nuanced alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and the nature of the exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conversations

This refers to informal exchanges of thoughts and feelings, suggesting a lighter tone compared to "discussions".

talks

Implies a more formal and structured exchange, especially in political or business contexts.

dialogues

Suggests a more in-depth and reciprocal exchange, often aimed at mutual understanding.

consultations

Emphasizes seeking advice or opinions from experts or stakeholders.

deliberations

Indicates careful and thorough consideration of a topic, often in a formal setting.

negotiations

Focuses on reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.

debates

Highlights a formal argument or contest of ideas, often with opposing viewpoints.

forums

Suggests organized platforms where people can exchange ideas and views on topics of mutual interest.

conferences

A gathering for people to discuss a specific topic.

seminars

A lecture or presentation, usually in a small group, for training purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "discussions" to refer to formal or informal exchanges of ideas. For example, "The "discussions" during the conference were very insightful", or "We had fruitful "discussions" about the project's future".

What are some alternatives to "discussions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conversations", "talks", or "dialogues". For more formal settings, consider using "deliberations" or "consultations".

Is "discussions" formal or informal?

"Discussions" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is generally perceived as more neutral. In highly formal settings, consider "deliberations" or "negotiations". In more casual settings, "conversations" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "discussions" and "arguments"?

"Discussions" generally imply a cooperative exchange of ideas, while "arguments" suggest disagreement or opposition. "Discussions" aim to explore different perspectives and find common ground, whereas "arguments" often focus on proving a point or defending a position.