guide the discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"guide the discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to lead or direct the conversation or exchange of ideas in a particular direction. Example: "As the moderator of the meeting, it is your responsibility to guide the discussion and ensure that all points are addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are few precedents to guide the discussion.

The New York Times

Please join us then or leave your comments and questions now to help guide the discussion.

The New York Times

The proximity measure is used to guide the discussion phase of consensus reaching process.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

The National Center of Complementary Medicine (NCCAM) categories of lifestyle and biomechanical therapies guide the discussion.

Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews

Detailed teaching notes accompany this negotiation video and help instructors to guide the discussion.

Harvard University

Professor Katherine Franke, Columbia Law School, will introduce Professor Ben Achour and guide the discussion.

Columbia University

Furthermore, a facilitator present during the design process was necessary to guide the discussion and provide explanations about the data.

Energy Policy

An environment of openness, with careful consideration of diverse perspectives, experiences, and practices, will support and guide the discussion.

Columbia University

He gives students digital assignment during class and provides decision trees to let them guide the discussion.

Stanford University

Inside the country, if you have conversations with Burmese about politics and government, let them guide the discussion and don't ask politically charged questions.

The New York Times

"We'll continue to search for a better understanding of what's going on, one that will hopefully help inform and guide the discussion taking place around this issue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "guide the discussion", prepare open-ended questions to encourage participants to share diverse perspectives and experiences.

Common error

Avoid dominating the conversation when you "guide the discussion". Ensure you're facilitating, not dictating, the flow of ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide the discussion" functions as a verbal phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote the act of leading or directing a conversation or exchange of ideas, often in a formal or structured setting. It implies a level of control and direction over the flow of the conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guide the discussion" is a versatile and frequently used verbal phrase that means to lead or direct a conversation or exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's primarily employed in science, news media, and academic contexts, reflecting its utility in structured and purposeful communication. Alternatives such as "facilitate the discussion" or "moderate the discussion" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Effective usage involves preparing open-ended questions and avoiding conversational dominance. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it suitable for a broad range of formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

facilitate the discussion

Focuses on making the discussion easier and more productive.

moderate the discussion

Emphasizes a neutral role in keeping the discussion balanced.

lead the discussion

Highlights taking a primary role in directing the conversation.

direct the discussion

Implies a more controlled approach to guiding the conversation.

steer the conversation

Suggests gently influencing the direction of the discussion.

channel the dialogue

Focuses on directing the flow of the conversation.

orient the dialogue

Suggests setting the overall direction or focus of the conversation.

manage the conversation

Highlights the aspect of control and organization within the discussion.

shape the discourse

Emphasizes influencing the content and style of the discussion.

influence the exchange

Suggests affecting the interaction and sharing of ideas.

FAQs

How can I effectively "guide the discussion" in a group setting?

Start with a clear agenda, pose open-ended questions, actively listen to participants, and ensure everyone has a chance to speak. Encourage respectful dialogue and summarize key points to maintain focus. If necessary, you may wish to "steer the conversation" back on track when it veers off-topic.

What is the difference between "guide the discussion" and "lead the discussion"?

"Guide the discussion" implies facilitation and ensuring a productive exchange, while "lead the discussion" suggests taking a more directive role, influencing the conversation's direction and outcomes. "Facilitate the discussion" is more about enabling all participants.

What are some alternative phrases to "guide the discussion" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "facilitate the discussion", "moderate the discussion", or "steer the conversation" depending on the context.

Which strategies can help to "guide the discussion" when sensitive topics arise?

Establish ground rules for respectful communication, acknowledge diverse perspectives, and address concerns with empathy. You might use techniques of "channel the dialogue" to ensure everyone feels heard and understood.