having a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"having a discussion" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it any time you are indicating that two or more people are talking to each other in an effort to exchange ideas, opinions, or information. Example: We had a productive discussion about the company's future plans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anita Dunn says, "When journalists call you to discuss a story, it's not because they're interested in having a discussion.

The New Yorker

They'd be interested in having a discussion.

The Guardian

"That is something we are having a discussion about now".

The New Yorker

"It was just 25 people having a discussion over drinks".

The New York Times

But having a discussion about the issues is so important.

The Guardian

We're having a discussion about policies that affect tens of millions of people.

The New York Times

If you're having a discussion, these questions are good starting points.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I remember having a discussion with Kyran Bracken when I first went to Saracens.

The Guardian - Sport

We were having a discussion about where the photographers would be for an Al Smith dinner.

The New York Times

MY wife and I were having a discussion the other night.

The New York Times

"I remember having a discussion with a couple of debate preppers," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a discussion" when you want to emphasize the process of exchanging ideas and opinions, rather than just stating a topic was covered. For example, "We are having a discussion about climate change" highlights the interactive exchange more than "We discussed climate change".

Common error

Avoid using "having a discussion" as a vague substitute for more precise verbs like "debating", "conferring", or "negotiating". Choose the verb that accurately reflects the nature and purpose of the exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a discussion" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or a preposition. It describes the act of engaging in a conversation or exchange of ideas. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's frequently used to denote an ongoing or planned communicative interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a discussion" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe the act of exchanging ideas and opinions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts. While alternatives like "engaging in a dialogue" or "participating in a conversation" exist, "having a discussion" offers a balance between formality and accessibility. Remember to use it precisely and avoid vagueness by specifying the topic of the exchange. With careful application, this phrase can effectively convey the collaborative nature of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaging in a dialogue

Emphasizes a reciprocal exchange of ideas.

participating in a conversation

Highlights the act of taking part in an exchange.

holding a conversation

Implies a more formal or structured exchange.

conducting a deliberation

Focuses on careful and thorough consideration.

carrying on a conversation

Suggests an ongoing or prolonged exchange.

involved in a negotiation

Emphasizes reaching a mutually agreeable solution.

in the midst of conversing

Highlights the active process of talking.

taking part in a consultation

Suggests seeking expert advice or opinion.

brainstorming ideas

Focuses on collaborative idea generation.

exchanging views

Emphasizes sharing different perspectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "having a discussion" to describe an exchange of ideas, for example: "We are "having a discussion" about the new project guidelines."

What's a more formal alternative to "having a discussion"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "engaging in a dialogue" or "conducting a deliberation" instead of "having a discussion".

Is it always necessary to specify the topic when using "having a discussion"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the topic after "having a discussion" often adds clarity and context to your sentence. For example, "having a discussion about politics".

What's the difference between "having a discussion" and "having a debate"?

"Having a discussion" implies a more open and collaborative exchange of ideas, while "having a debate" suggests a more structured argument with opposing viewpoints.