informal discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informal discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to conversations or exchanges of ideas that are casual and not structured or official. Example: "We had some informal discussions about the project over coffee, which helped us clarify our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Informal discussions with health personnel, informants before and after interviews, and others informed the analysis.

BMC Health Services Research

PCPs were informed about the study through email announcements, presentations by study investigators, and informal discussions.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Informal discussions have begun on new, more aggressive strategies.

The New York Times

We had some informal discussions, John and I.

The New York Times - Sports

But during the informal discussions that follow, they intermingle.

The New York Times

Instead, would-be host cities and regions have more informal discussions and correspondence with Tour organisers.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'd certainly think another two or three months of informal discussions".

The Guardian

It is not clear whether informal discussions ever led to specific price talk.

The Guardian - Tech

We have had informal discussions with the Six Nations and that dialogue will continue.

The Guardian - Sport

There have been informal discussions in our communities about this for a while now.

The Guardian

Given the extensive informal discussions that preceded Friday's announcement, a deal could come quickly.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting research, specify that "informal discussions" were used to gather qualitative data. This emphasizes the value of unstructured insights alongside formal methods.

Common error

Don't assume "informal discussions" are unimportant or lack value. While they may not be formally documented, they can be crucial for building consensus, gathering diverse perspectives, and sparking innovative ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal discussions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. It describes a type of interaction or exchange of ideas that lacks formal structure. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "informal discussions" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to conversations or exchanges of ideas that are casual and unstructured. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. When using "informal discussions", it's crucial to remember that while these conversations lack a formal structure, they can be valuable for fostering relationships, gathering insights, and exploring new ideas. Alternatives such as "casual conversations" or "unofficial talks" can be used for variety. Therefore, understanding the nuanced meaning and appropriate contexts for "informal discussions" will enhance clarity and precision in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual conversations

Focuses on the relaxed and unofficial nature of the conversation.

unofficial talks

Emphasizes the lack of formal structure in the discussions.

relaxed dialogues

Highlights the ease and informality of the exchange.

friendly chats

Suggests a more personal and amicable tone to the discussions.

laid-back exchanges

Conveys a sense of ease and lack of pressure in the conversation.

impromptu conversations

Highlights the unplanned and spontaneous nature of the discussions.

off-the-record talks

Indicates that the discussions are not meant for public knowledge or attribution.

preliminary discussions

Suggests that these discussions are an initial step before more formal proceedings.

private conversations

Highlights the confidential nature of the exchange.

table talk

Indicates that these discussions are informal and often occur during meals.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "informal discussions"?

Alternatives include "casual conversations", "unofficial talks", or "relaxed dialogues" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "informal discussions" in writing?

Use "informal discussions" when referring to conversations that are not part of a formal meeting or official record. This can include preliminary talks, casual exchanges, or private conversations.

How do "informal discussions" differ from formal meetings?

"Informal discussions" lack a structured agenda, minutes, and official decision-making processes, unlike formal meetings, which are typically organized with specific objectives and documented outcomes.

Can "informal discussions" be considered a valid data collection method in research?

Yes, "informal discussions" can provide valuable qualitative data in research, offering insights into participants' perspectives and experiences. However, it's important to complement these with more structured methods for robust findings.