formal discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a structured and serious conversation or debate on a specific topic, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "The committee will hold a formal discussion regarding the proposed changes to the policy next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The EU Commission has shelved its Jerusalem report without a formal discussion.

The Economist

A formal discussion on properties involved by the application of the method is afforded.

Information Sciences

Because of the breadth of its support, the Tillman Act was the subject of almost no formal discussion.

The New Yorker

They also sit down together at least four times a year to have a more formal discussion about Shauna's ambitions.

Harvard Business Review

But when the formal discussion ends, and the participants drift off to lunch, the integration also stops.

The Economist

Two years ago, he convened everyone again for a more formal discussion that was moderated by his adviser at Fieldpoint.

The New York Times

After formal discussion in the heart team, the patient was scheduled for TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation).

Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine

Over coffee and dessert after the formal discussion, two Harvard undergraduates studying at Dōshisha this semester joined us.

Harvard University

He suggested the United States may be in a position to call for a meeting on the DPRK and noted Canada,supportrt for a formal discussion.

The Guardian

A spokesman declined to say whether Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Paterson had held any more formal discussion about the Senate seat.

The New York Times

A spokesman for Mr. Winnick said the board had knowledge of the K1 Ventures deal but that it was not a subject of formal discussion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. A "formal discussion" in an academic setting may differ in style from one in a business environment.

Common error

Avoid using "formal discussion" to describe conversations that lack a structured agenda or predetermined objectives. Ensure the context genuinely warrants a formal approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a structured and serious conversation, debate, or exchange of ideas, as evident from the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal discussion" is a versatile noun phrase denoting a structured and serious conversation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. When writing, remember that "formal discussion" is best suited for contexts requiring a degree of protocol and structured exchange. For alternative phrases, consider "official consultation" or "structured dialogue" to add more nuance to your writing. Always ensure the context is appropriate to guarantee correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official consultation

Implies a more structured and often documented process, potentially involving expert advice.

structured dialogue

Emphasizes the organized and methodical nature of the conversation.

official deliberation

Suggests a careful and considered process of weighing different options.

academic debate

Specifically refers to a discussion within an academic setting, often with opposing viewpoints.

official meeting

Highlights the official and scheduled nature of the gathering.

organized conversation

Focuses on the planned and structured aspect of the discussion.

serious conversation

Emphasizes the gravity and importance of the topic being discussed.

deliberate conversation

Suggests a more intentional and thoughtful exchange of ideas.

structured negotiation

Implies a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

official negotiation

Suggests a negotiation happened in an official context.

FAQs

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

You can use "formal discussion" to describe structured conversations such as, "The board will hold a "formal discussion" regarding the new policy" or "After the presentation, we had a "formal discussion" about the project's feasibility".

What is an alternative to "formal discussion"?

Alternatives to "formal discussion" include "official consultation", "structured dialogue", or "official deliberation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "formal discussion"?

"Formal discussion" is appropriate when describing a structured and serious conversation, often in professional or academic settings, where specific topics are addressed with a degree of protocol. It's less suitable for casual or informal exchanges.

What distinguishes a "formal discussion" from a casual conversation?

A "formal discussion" is characterized by a structured agenda, predetermined objectives, and a degree of protocol, while a casual conversation lacks these elements and is typically more spontaneous and unstructured.