engender discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"engender discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to create or stimulate a conversation or debate on a certain topic. Example: The controversial decision of the court has engendered much discussion among the public, with people expressing their strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The point, she suggested, is not to fasten on the mask but "to get behind it," to "engender discussion".

The New York Times - Arts

Our idea was that to engender discussion of critical issues, we would provide a balance of viewpoints across a series of programs, not within each program.

The New York Times

Regardless of whether an exhibition with scientists in the curator's seat will work, On the Origin of Art is at least likely to engender discussion about three of the great mysteries of our time: the nature of art, its relationship with science and David Walsh himself.

The Guardian - Arts

But there was also some relief over the sentence.In a decision that will engender discussion over how to best confront white-collar crime, Judge Rakoff said he did not feel obligated to deter Mr Gupta, but did acknowledge a need for general deterrence, particularly since insider trading is easy to commit and hard to detect.

The Economist

We hope that the example of our finding with SAVP1 will engender discussion among public health and regulatory agencies, academia, and the private sector that will favorably impact our biodefense research efforts.

Plosone

Rather, our intention is to engender discussion and dialog.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Emerging applications of limited output tES to modulate brain function span techniques to stimulate brain or nerve structures, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), have engendered discussion on how access to technology should be regulated.

Brain Stimulation

In the case of Childish Gambino, we choose to make art that engenders discussion of its ideas and an openness to empathize, understand, and problem-solve.

Huffington Post

Sanger's death has engendered discussion of whether his style of science could survive in today's environment and whether a laboratory pursuing bold but untested ideas and producing a modest number of publications would fail to obtain funding in the current peer review climate.

Genetics

Nana Nyarko Boateng, who visited the kiosk museum at Chale Wote street art festival this year, said she thought using something so familiar "as a tool for learning and engendering discussions about ourselves is just brilliant and absolutely pertinent".

The Guardian

The mix of comedy and interaction, combined with the sharpness of writer Duncan Macmillan (People, Places and Things) ensures this would be a cool experience and liable to engender much discussion around the issues involved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engender discussion" when you want to suggest that something is likely to lead to a thoughtful and engaged conversation, especially about complex or controversial topics. Consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "engender discussion" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase is better suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts where a more formal tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "engender discussion" is a verb phrase acting as a transitive verb followed by a noun. The verb "engender" takes "discussion" as its direct object, indicating the action of causing or creating a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engender discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that means to initiate or stimulate a conversation or debate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate in formal contexts such as news, science and formal writing. While alternatives like "foster dialogue" or "stimulate debate" exist, "engender discussion" is particularly effective in suggesting a deliberate effort to spark thoughtful engagement. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the formality of the situation. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to convey the creation of intellectual exchange in serious contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foster dialogue

Focuses on creating a two-way exchange, implying a more collaborative and interactive conversation.

stimulate debate

Emphasizes the act of provoking contrasting opinions and arguments.

spark conversation

Highlights the initiation of an informal exchange of ideas.

prompt discourse

Implies a more formal and structured discussion, often in academic or professional settings.

generate dialogue

Similar to "foster dialogue" but places more emphasis on the act of creating the conversation.

encourage debate

Highlights the act of supporting and promoting a discussion with opposing views.

invite comment

More directly asks for feedback or opinions, often in a public or formal setting.

provoke thought

Focuses on stimulating individual reflection and consideration, rather than direct discussion.

initiate deliberation

Implies a careful and thoughtful process of weighing options and arguments.

create an opening for discussion

Emphasizes the act of establishing a space or opportunity for conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "engender discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "engender discussion" to indicate that a topic or event is likely to initiate a conversation or debate. For example, "The professor's controversial lecture is expected to engender discussion among the students".

What are some alternatives to "engender discussion"?

Some alternatives to "engender discussion" include "foster dialogue", "stimulate debate", or "spark conversation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "engender discussion" formal or informal?

"Engender discussion" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. It may sound out of place in casual conversations.

What's the difference between "engender discussion" and "promote discussion"?

"Engender discussion" implies creating or initiating a discussion, while "promote discussion" suggests supporting or encouraging an existing discussion. "Engender" suggests a more causative role, while "promote" implies a supportive role.