having a discussion about

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more people are discussing something. Example sentence: The team spent the morning having a discussion about how to improve customer service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

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

The New York Times

"I wasn't looking forward to potentially having a discussion about a club playing Championship rugby next season," Rigby said.

Independent

"Just the collaboration, having a discussion about the creation of the work," he said, "just exploring with that much depth".

The New York Times

Then one day we were having a discussion about a decision I'd made for the project that he didn't like.

The Guardian

When we evaluate acoustics we need musicians on the stage – and then we are having a discussion about music.

The Guardian

Bush describes a dinner at a Houston restaurant with his father and his brother Jeb: "Dad and I were having a discussion about my future.

The New Yorker

The tragedy, as my colleague David C. Unger wrote recently, is that the continent is not having a discussion about these ideas.

The New York Times

And I think that Americans will find that you know, interesting, and I look forward to having a discussion about that.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a discussion about" when you want to indicate a general conversation or exchange of ideas on a topic. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "having a discussion about" is versatile, be mindful of using excessively formal synonyms in casual contexts. Stick to simpler terms like "talking about" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a discussion about" functions as a verbal phrase, introducing the topic or subject of a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate and frequently used. It sets the stage for an exchange of ideas or opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a discussion about" is a versatile and widely used phrase in English to indicate a conversation or exchange of ideas on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and business. The phrase functions as a verbal phrase, introducing the subject of a conversation and signaling an intention to explore a subject collaboratively. While it maintains a neutral register, it's adaptable to both formal and informal settings. When looking for alternative expressions, consider options such as "engaging in a conversation regarding" or "talking over", depending on the desired tone and nuance. When using this expression, be mindful of the context and avoid overly formal language in casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaging in a conversation regarding

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation" and uses "regarding" instead of "about" for a slightly more formal tone.

exchanging views concerning

Highlights the sharing of opinions and perspectives on a specific matter.

conversing on the subject of

Uses "conversing" and "on the subject of" to create a more descriptive and slightly elevated tone.

deliberating on

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration of a topic.

consulting with regard to

Implies seeking advice or information from someone about a particular issue.

talking over

Emphasizes the act of speaking about something, potentially in a less formal setting.

exploring ideas related to

Focuses on the investigation and development of concepts connected to a specific theme.

considering the matter of

Indicates a careful and thoughtful assessment of a particular situation or issue.

addressing the question of

Directly tackles a specific issue or problem by discussing it.

airing opinions on

Suggests openly expressing viewpoints about something, potentially in a public forum.

FAQs

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

You can use "having a discussion about" to indicate that people are talking about a topic. For instance, "The committee is having a discussion about budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "having a discussion about"?

Alternatives include "engaging in a conversation regarding", "conversing on the subject of", or "talking over", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "having a discussion on" or "having a discussion about"?

"Having a discussion about" is generally preferred and more common. While "on" is grammatically acceptable, "about" is more frequently used in contemporary English.

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

"Having a discussion about" implies a general exchange of ideas, while "debating" suggests a more formal argument or structured discussion with opposing viewpoints.