discussions are underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'discussions are underway' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to inform someone that conversations about a certain topic are currently taking place. For example: "Discussions are underway to find a new location for our office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Discussions are underway to start advertising soon in New Hampshire.

The New York Times

Discussions are underway with several potential national sponsors and a television partner.

The New York Times

Discussions are underway to further refine the charge and membership for the committee.

Cornell University

This summer, another epicenter will open in Los Angeles, and discussions are underway for a fourth, in Beijing or Shanghai.

The New Yorker

American training of Iraqi forces stopped when the U.S. military withdrew in 2011, but discussions are underway to revive it.

The Washington Post

She said she is willing to serve through the November election but does not want the position permanently, and discussions are underway about who might step in next.

The Washington Post

Currently, discussions are underway between the Medical Center, the Department of Systems Biology, and other departments at the University about potentially incorporating other likeminded labs.

Columbia University

Discussions are underway to do an English translation of this book so that the findings of Chinese researchers will be more widely accessible.

Cornell University

A second phase in about 2015 will field an upgraded, land-based SM-3 in allied countries, and discussions are underway with Poland and the Czech Republic on basing the missiles in their territory, [Secretary of Defense Robert] Gates said.

The New Yorker

Although discussions are underway within the Action Team 14 of the United Nations COPUOS, there is currently no concerted international plan addressing the impact threat from near-Earth objects (NEOs) and how to organize, prepare and implement mitigation measures.

Acta Astronautica

The federal lawsuits by Ms. Taymor and the producers are still pending, although associates of Ms. Taymor and executives involved with the production said that settlement discussions are underway on that litigation as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "discussions are underway" to convey that a topic is currently being actively discussed or considered, often in a formal or professional setting. This phrase implies that the conversation is in progress and not yet concluded.

Common error

While "discussions are underway" is acceptable, avoid overusing passive constructions in your writing. Sometimes, a more active voice can make your writing clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Discussions are underway by the committee", consider "The committee is holding discussions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussions are underway" functions as a statement indicating that conversations or deliberations are currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its function to inform about ongoing conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "discussions are underway" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that conversations or deliberations are currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, scientific, and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional, writers should avoid overusing passive voice constructions. Alternatives such as "talks are in progress" or "conversations are happening" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talks are in progress

Replaces "discussions" with "talks" and "underway" with "in progress", emphasizing the active state of the conversations.

negotiations are ongoing

Substitutes "discussions" with "negotiations", suggesting a more formal and potentially complex conversation.

deliberations are in progress

Replaces "discussions" with "deliberations", which implies a more formal and careful consideration of the issues.

conversations are happening

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "discussions are underway" with a simpler and more direct expression.

dialogue is in progress

Emphasizes the interactive and communicative nature of the discussions by using the word "dialogue".

planning is in motion

Focuses on the progression of planning activities, suggesting that discussions are part of a broader planning process.

arrangements are being made

Highlights the making of arrangements which are part of a broader planning process.

things are being discussed

Shifts the focus to the topics being discussed rather than the process itself.

matters are under consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtful assessment of issues, rather than simply the act of discussing them.

the matter is being addressed

Focuses on the fact that a specific issue is receiving attention and action.

FAQs

How can I use "discussions are underway" in a sentence?

You can use "discussions are underway" to indicate that conversations or deliberations are currently in progress. For example, "Discussions are underway regarding the new company policy."

What can I say instead of "discussions are underway"?

You can use alternatives like "talks are in progress", "negotiations are ongoing", or "conversations are happening" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "discussion is underway"?

While grammatically correct, "discussion is underway" is less common than the plural form, "discussions are underway", especially when referring to multiple aspects or participants in the conversation.

What is the difference between "discussions are underway" and "discussions are planned"?

"Discussions are underway" means the conversations are currently happening. "Discussions are planned" means they are scheduled to happen in the future but have not started yet.