hold a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hold a discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to talk to someone about a topic in-depth. For example, "Let's hold a discussion about the best ways to promote our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Hold a discussion afterward.

The New York Times

Hold a discussion after the film.

The New York Times

After the games they hold a discussion on something.

The Economist

Display these page spreads at the front of the room, and hold a discussion.

The New York Times

Mosley is scheduled to hold a discussion of the play at the theater on Jan . 14

The New York Times

He said he would hold a discussion in Genoa today to "shed light" on the book.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Even a year ago there was no holding a discussion around risks to these assets," she said.

The Guardian

Mr. Levin notes that Mr. Weiland had held a discussion with the employee over the phone, rather than over e-mail.

The New York Times

The Mercer County Chamber of Commerce held a discussion on the report and vowed to create a foundation aimed at changing the state's business climate.

The New York Times

Earlier this week, a story appeared in the Times revealing that Boris and Theresa had held a discussion about whether he should continue "to bear the brunt of ministers' jokes".

The Guardian - Opinion

New Zealand may have secured victory by an 18-point margin but Simon Mannering and co held a discussion on the pitch at the final whistle and appeared dejected afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a meeting, using the phrase "hold a discussion" is a clear way to communicate the purpose of the gathering to participants.

Common error

While "hold a discussion" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more specific verb like "conduct", "convene", or "facilitate" might better reflect the context and formality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a discussion" functions as a verb phrase where "hold" is the main verb and "a discussion" is the direct object. This phrase indicates the act of organizing or conducting a conversation about a particular topic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is acceptable and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, according to Ludwig. It signifies organizing or conducting a conversation, often in a formal or structured setting. While "hold a discussion" is widely acceptable, variations such as "conduct a discussion" or "organize a discussion" may provide greater precision in certain contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves the purpose of initiating meaningful exchanges of ideas. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when choosing the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct a discussion

Emphasizes the management and direction of the discussion.

have a discussion

A more general and informal way to express the same concept.

organize a discussion

Focuses on the planning and structuring of the discussion.

convene a discussion

Suggests a more formal and official gathering for discussion.

facilitate a discussion

Highlights the act of guiding and moderating the discussion.

lead a discussion

Implies taking a leadership role in guiding the conversation.

undertake a discussion

Suggests a more formal and deliberate approach to the discussion.

stage a discussion

Implies setting up or arranging a discussion, often in a theatrical sense.

foster a discussion

Focuses on creating an environment conducive to discussion.

involve in a discussion

Highlights the act of adding to the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold a discussion" to indicate a formal or organized conversation, like: "The panel will "hold a discussion" on climate change." or "The teacher will "hold a discussion" about the book after the students have read it."

What are some alternatives to "hold a discussion"?

Instead of "hold a discussion", you could use phrases like "conduct a discussion", "have a discussion", or "organize a discussion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "hold a discussion" or "have a discussion"?

Both "hold a discussion" and "have a discussion" are grammatically correct. "Hold a discussion" often suggests a more formal or structured event, while "have a discussion" is generally more informal and conversational.

What's the difference between "hold a discussion" and "lead a discussion"?

"Hold a discussion" implies creating the space and opportunity for conversation, while "lead a discussion" indicates taking an active role in guiding the conversation and directing its course.