initial discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the first or beginning discussion about a particular topic or issue. Example: During the initial discussion, the team members shared their ideas and brainstormed potential solutions to the problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After an initial discussion of ecodesign principles, it discusses different types of models and algorithms, including Pareto optimality.

Eco-Friendly Innovation in Electricity Transmission and Distribution Networks

However, it is thought any talks never moved beyond the initial discussion stage.

The Guardian

In an initial discussion, he agreed that military commissions should be an option, the officials said.

The New York Times

He said there had been an initial discussion within the bank on "stranded" fossil fuel assets.

The Guardian

That was pretty clear from the moment we had the initial discussion about it.

Independent

The initial discussion of the standards in February proved extremely contentious.

The New York Times

On Monday we started the development, with an initial discussion about the origins of the play led by Saseen Kawzally.

The Guardian

Last fall, armed with the business plan that came out of that initial discussion, Mr. Robert visited Abu Dhabi.

The New York Times

After initial discussion with Echeverría, Goldsmith wanted to exhibit a compendium of every online photo of actress Natalie Portman.

The Guardian - Arts

Finally, make time for a follow-up meeting soon after the initial discussion, preferably about a week later.

Harvard Business Review

Colors Green and Plum dominate the initial discussion and remain active long after everyone else has left the room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial discussion", ensure it's clear that this is the first time the topic is being addressed. Subsequent discussions can be referred to as "follow-up discussions" or "further discussions".

Common error

Avoid using "initial discussion" as a vague placeholder. Be specific about what was discussed or what outcomes were achieved during that initial meeting. Adding context enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the commencement of a conversational exchange or deliberation. Examples from Ludwig show usage in various contexts, affirming its role as a starting point for further engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial discussion" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the first conversation about a topic. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used in news, science, and business contexts. When using "initial discussion", be sure to provide context about the topic and outcomes of the conversation to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like ""preliminary conversation"" or ""introductory meeting"" to add nuance. Remembering these details will allow you to utilize the phrase most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary conversation

Emphasizes the early and introductory nature of the conversation.

introductory meeting

Highlights the formal aspect of the first encounter.

opening remarks

Focuses on the initial statements made at the start of a discussion.

first consultation

Suggests a professional or expert advisory context.

early deliberation

Implies a careful and thoughtful consideration from the outset.

initial consultation

Highlights the advisory aspect of the first interaction.

original dialogue

Focuses on the very first exchange of words or ideas.

starting conversation

Emphasizes the act of beginning a dialogue.

basic exchange

Highlights the rudimentary and fundamental character of the interaction.

primary discourse

Suggests a formal or academic setting for the initial exchange.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial discussion" to refer to the first conversation about a topic, like: "The project's success hinged on the "initial discussion" among stakeholders."

What are some alternatives to "initial discussion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "preliminary conversation", "introductory meeting", or "opening remarks".

Is "initial discussion" formal or informal?

"Initial discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and register of the communication.

What's the difference between "initial discussion" and "preliminary discussion"?

While similar, ""initial discussion"" generally refers to the very first conversation, while "preliminary discussion" might imply a discussion that's setting the stage for more in-depth conversations later.