engage in a discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engage in a discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to participating in a conversation or discussion, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "In order to foster understanding, it is essential to engage in a discourse about differing viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

With care and collaboration, it is possible to engage in a discourse of humility and to move beyond dialogue to action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throckmorton didn't engage in a discourse about good and evil but simply said "this sounds like something that feels really out of control to you, something you haven't been able to manage".

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact he takes pains to distance himself from those who engage in a discourse of justice, and makes a conscious attempt to exclude direct moral commentary in his own works.

SEP

Either we can choose to engage in a discourse that has us judging ourselves and one another by our weight, our size, our thigh gap, or some other supposed measurement of self-worth -- or, we can choose to be kind, and to be happy, by stepping back from shame culture, and learning to love our bodies for what they are.

Huffington Post

But let's write things that touch people in a way that can add to their lives, or let's engage in a discourse on a social issue that we really care about instead of writing knee-jerk reactions to every trending story on our newsfeed, whether or not we actually have something valuable to add to the conversation.

Huffington Post

In the view of this model, the assessment of these determinants can serve as a starting point for scientists to engage in a discourse with organizations in order to increase their policy output or outcome.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Melanie engages in a discourse with you right away, whether for five minutes or five years.

The New York Times

Employment is just another environment in which the disfigured can be engaged in a discourse with their fears and anxieties.

The Guardian

When City Hall staff members met to discuss the growing public outcry over the reconstruction of a major roadway in the Bronx, which was hurting beloved local trees, Mr. Goldsmith engaged in a discourse about eliminating risk in government.

The New York Times

It was closed last summer by the government of the United Arab Emirates, which said that the center had engaged in a discourse that "contradicted the principles of interfaith tolerance" espoused by Sheik Zayed.

The New York Times

Either he's being ironic (a conceptual form of punning) or he hasn't read what he quotes: "The Rule of Interruption: Although the company may be engaged in a discourse of the most serious consequence, it is and may be lawful to interrupt them with a pun".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engage in a discourse" when you want to emphasize a formal, structured discussion or exchange of ideas, particularly in academic or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "engage in a discourse" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound pretentious or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "discuss" or "talk about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engage in a discourse" functions as a verb phrase indicating active participation in a structured conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI shows examples where it is used to describe scientists, politicians, and even ordinary individuals participating in discussions on different topics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engage in a discourse" is a grammatically sound way to express participation in a conversation or discussion, typically one that is formal or academic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from diverse sources. While generally appropriate for formal and academic contexts, it should be used cautiously in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Semantically related alternatives include "participate in a discussion" and "take part in a conversation". Remember to use it appropriately and consider the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participate in a discussion

Replaces "engage" with a more straightforward verb, slightly altering the formality.

take part in a conversation

Focuses on the conversational aspect, making it less formal than "discourse".

enter into a dialogue

Emphasizes a two-way exchange, similar to "discourse" but with a slightly different nuance.

have a conversation about

Simplifies the phrase, making it more accessible and less academic.

hold a discussion on

Highlights the act of organizing or conducting a discussion.

contribute to a debate

Suggests a more argumentative or persuasive type of engagement.

join in a discussion

Emphasizes the act of becoming involved in an already ongoing discussion.

partake in a conversation

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "take part".

deliberate on a topic

Focuses on careful and thorough consideration of a specific subject.

exchange ideas about

Highlights the reciprocal sharing of thoughts and perspectives.

FAQs

What does "engage in a discourse" mean?

It means to participate in a conversation or discussion, often one that is formal and structured, involving an exchange of ideas.

How can I use "engage in a discourse" in a sentence?

Example: "The conference provided a platform for researchers to "engage in a discourse" about climate change."

What can I say instead of "engage in a discourse"?

You can use alternatives like "participate in a discussion", "take part in a conversation", or "have a conversation about" depending on the context.

Is "engage in a discourse" appropriate for all situations?

No, it is more suitable for formal or academic contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "discuss" or "talk about" are preferable.