forum

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "forum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to an open public meeting for discussion and debate, or a website where people can write messages and reply to one another. For example, "The townhall was filled with patrons from the community who were eager to discuss their opinions and ideas at the local forum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I expected that some would object to my participation in an annual forum that is largely comprised of softball questions to a leader unaccustomed to being challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

The book features blogposts on every episode from all five seasons, plus interviews with the cast and features on the show – as well as many, many of your comments, which have made this blog the great forum it is.

The Guardian

Over at another forum discussing the same topic (some folks are busy out there) there is indeed what appears to be a Google executive posting that recent changes in were "an enforcement of our viewcount policy".

The Guardian - Tech

The UN is not the obvious forum for discussing debt restructuring: unlike the International Monetary Fund, it is not a lender of last resort with emergency cash to disburse, and doesn't have a seat around the table when countries have to go to their creditors to ask for help.

The Guardian - Business

Joe Hockey says a political fundraising forum which asked members for $22,000 a year "to assist Joe Hockey" was "grossly misleading" because he had not accepted money from any organisation or individual.

The Guardian

The forum's website carries photographs of Hockey and says: "On behalf of Joe Hockey I encourage you to join the North Sydney Forum and to offer your practical support to Joe Hockey".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

A good place to get in touch with others is Travel Blog Exchange, which also has a sub-forum for those looking to make a business out of blogging.

The Guardian - Travel

Under cross-examination by Fairfax's barrister, Matt Collins, Hockey was asked why the North Sydney Forum membership forms referred to providing practical support to Hockey and used the words "business and community leaders supporting Joe Hockey MP".

The Guardian

In a speech to the Westminster Media Forum last summer, Freestone expanded on the difficulties faced by touring companies, and pointed out that, yet again, British theatre is failing to operate on a level playing field.

The Guardian

In January the prime minister used a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to put a marker down on questions of tax structuring by big business.

The Guardian - Business

"We should vote for a party and their ideas, not a person and their nationality," says Giuseppe Porcaro, secretary general of the European Youth Forum.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to online platforms, use "forum" to indicate a space for discussions and information exchange.

Common error

Avoid using "forum" when you mean "quorum", which refers to the minimum number of members needed to conduct business in a meeting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forum" is as a noun. It refers to a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "forum" functions primarily as a noun denoting a platform or gathering for discussion and debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage, especially in news and media, alongside business and science contexts. Alternatives such as "discussion group" or "symposium" can provide nuanced substitutes, but avoid confusing it with "quorum". Remember, using "forum" appropriately ensures clear communication, whether online or in person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion group

Focuses on the participatory aspect of a forum, emphasizing group interaction.

message board

Specifically refers to an online platform for discussions.

symposium

Implies a more formal and academic setting for discussions.

conference

Suggests a larger and more organized gathering for a specific purpose.

meeting

A general term for a gathering of people for discussion or other purposes.

assembly

Emphasizes a formal gathering of people for a specific purpose.

roundtable

Suggests a discussion among experts or stakeholders.

online community

Broader term for people interacting online, possibly beyond discussion.

town hall

Refers to a public meeting, often with elected officials.

panel discussion

Highlights a structured discussion with designated speakers.

FAQs

How to use "forum" in a sentence?

The word "forum" can be used to describe a place or platform for discussion. For example, "The online "message board" serves as a "forum" for users to share their opinions".

What can I say instead of "forum"?

You can use alternatives like "discussion group", "symposium", or "conference" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "forum" or "fora"?

"Forum" is the singular form, while "fora" is one acceptable plural form. "Forums" is also a correct and more commonly used plural form.

What's the difference between a "forum" and a "seminar"?

A "seminar" typically involves a presentation or lecture followed by a discussion, while a "forum" is generally a more open and interactive discussion platform.