have a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

'have a discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about having a conversation with someone. For example: "The teacher suggested that the class have a discussion about the topic".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We'll have a discussion.

The New York Times

We should have a discussion.

The Guardian

"Let's have a discussion of them".

The New Yorker

And we should have a discussion.

The New York Times

If you want, let's have a discussion".

The Guardian - Film

"The four coaches meet together and we have a discussion.

Independent

When it's appropriate, I'm sure we'll have a discussion.

The New York Times - Tech

Don't make them have a discussion about it".

The New York Times - Books

"If we ever have a discussion, it'll be between us.

The New York Times - Sports

"Or let's just have a discussion about it," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

Can we just sit down and have a discussion?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When initiating a discussion, clearly state the purpose and desired outcome to keep the conversation focused and productive.

Common error

Avoid starting a discussion with ambiguous phrasing. Instead of saying "We need to talk," be specific: "Let's "have a discussion" about the project timeline" to set clear expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a discussion" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of engaging in a conversation or exchanging ideas on a particular topic. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, confirming its primary function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a discussion" is a versatile and widely used phrase for indicating a conversation or exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It's a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal settings, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and business domains. When aiming for greater precision, consider alternatives like "engage in a conversation" for active participation or "hold a dialogue" for structured exchanges. Remember to clearly define the purpose of your discussion to ensure it remains focused and productive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in a conversation

This alternative emphasizes the active participation of individuals in the exchange.

talk things over

This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness and deliberateness of the discussion.

hold a dialogue

This phrase suggests a more structured and formal exchange of ideas.

exchange views

This phrase emphasizes the sharing of different perspectives.

conduct a debate

This implies a more argumentative discussion, where different viewpoints are presented and defended.

confer with

This alternative suggests a more formal consultation or meeting.

enter into negotiations

This focuses on discussions aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

hash things out

This implies a discussion aimed at resolving disagreements or conflicts.

kick around ideas

This alternative suggests a more informal and exploratory discussion.

touch base

A less formal phrase suggesting a brief discussion to update each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a discussion" to indicate a conversation or exchange of ideas. For instance, "The team will "have a discussion" about the new marketing strategy".

What's a more formal way to say "have a discussion"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "hold a dialogue" or "confer with".

Which is correct: "have a discussion about" or "have a discussion on"?

Both "have a discussion about" and "have a discussion on" are grammatically correct, but "have a discussion about" is more commonly used.

What can I say instead of "have a discussion" when brainstorming?

When brainstorming, you could say "kick around ideas" to imply a more informal and creative exchange.