harsh discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conversation or debate that is intense, critical, or confrontational in nature. Example: "The team had a harsh discussion about the project's shortcomings, which led to some heated exchanges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Chicago's fight may be over, but in Idaho, where a three-part proposition on performance pay, tenure and technology in the classroom is roaring toward Election Day, the debate over schools has morphed into a harsh discussion about whom the voters should trust.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He "wasn't working as hard as we had hoped, so I had some harsh discussions with him," recalls Frederick H. Joseph, the former head of Drexel.

The New York Times

So I got harsh treatment".

BMC Health Services Research

Focusing heavily on law enforcement, measurement and monitoring, this year's 6th Tigers Forever meeting has produced tremendous results from open, harsh and insightful discussions about our successes and failures.

The New York Times

As the subreddit community hosting the conversation stated: "The harsh reality is that discussion requires looking at all possibilities.

TechCrunch

The harsh truth allows for discussions and a potential growth in awareness amongst those with anti-immigrant viewpoints.

Vice

"The harshest and hottest discussions in German society since 1995 -- the 50th anniversary of the end of the war -- are discussions about the Nazi era," said Guido Knopp, executive producer of the series, who was in New York with Mr. Remy recently for a presentation of "Hitler's Holocaust" at the Museum of Television and Radio.

The New York Times - Arts

"Here you've got some evidence that there was discussion about those harsh techniques in the White House".

The New York Times

Lengthy discussion of the harsh Sixth Class entrance exams for French school children, by which they move out of primary schooling into secondary schooling.

The New Yorker

By Janet Flanner The New Yorker, July 14 , 1956P. 76 Lengthy discussion of the harsh Sixth Class entrance exams for French school children, by which they move out of primary schooling into secondary schooling.

The New Yorker

But Julie Roe Lach, the N.C.A.A.'s vice president for enforcement, said in an interview Wednesday that there had been little discussion about reviving harsh penalties like television bans or the so-called death penalty, two punishments once used by the N.C.A.A. that have long been shelved.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "harsh discussion", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject matter and the reasons for the discussion's intensity. This will provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh discussion" when a more neutral term like "serious discussion" or "thorough review" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact and create a sense of unnecessary drama.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh discussion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "harsh" modifies the noun "discussion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a type of exchange characterized by severity or unpleasantness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a difficult or critical exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and notes its use across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the potentially negative connotations and ensure its appropriateness for the intended audience. Consider alternatives like "serious conversation" or "critical review" when a less intense tone is desired. Ultimately, using "harsh discussion" effectively involves understanding its nuances and choosing it deliberately to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tough conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", softening the formality while maintaining the sense of difficulty.

difficult dialogue

Substitutes both words to convey the challenging nature of the exchange in a more formal manner.

intense debate

Emphasizes the high-stakes nature of the exchange and the potential for disagreement.

heated argument

Suggests a strong emotional component and potential conflict within the exchange.

acrimonious exchange

Highlights the bitterness and resentment involved in the interaction.

critical assessment

Focuses on the evaluative aspect of the exchange, emphasizing negative feedback.

frank confrontation

Highlights the direct and potentially uncomfortable nature of the interaction.

vigorous debate

Emphasizes the energy and intensity of the discussion, without necessarily implying negativity.

unpleasant exchange

Downplays the intensity but highlights the negative emotional impact of the interaction.

sharp disagreement

Focuses on the presence of conflicting viewpoints and the potential for conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh discussion" to describe a difficult or critical exchange of ideas. For example: "The board members had a "harsh discussion" about the company's declining profits.".

What's a less intense alternative to "harsh discussion"?

Consider using phrases like "serious conversation", "difficult dialogue", or "critical review" if you want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

Is "harsh discussion" formal or informal?

"Harsh discussion" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, it generally implies a serious and potentially uncomfortable exchange, so consider your audience and the tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "harsh discussion" and "vigorous debate"?

While both phrases describe an exchange of ideas, "harsh discussion" suggests a more negative and critical tone, whereas "vigorous debate" emphasizes the energy and intensity of the discussion without necessarily implying negativity.