initial round of discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial round of discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first set of conversations or meetings regarding a particular topic or issue. Example: "We have scheduled an initial round of discussions to explore potential collaboration opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

General Ashfaq Kiyani, then the chief of the I.S.I., led an initial round of discussions.

The New Yorker

Ms. Merkel's conservatives have held an initial round of discussions with the Social Democrats, as well as the Greens.

The New York Times

With the agreement of the board, the company retained Allen & Company and had an initial round of discussions with six potential buyers.

The New York Times

In an initial round of discussions, the Taliban might negotiate over the status of their prisoners and the Afghan government could address the Taliban's attacks on schools, roads, and national infrastructure.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We will also have an initial round of discussion about our own likes and dislikes in the genre and think quite closely about the opening pages of two recently published biographies.

The Guardian

As American envoys today completed a first day of talks to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, China appeared to be playing an unusually assertive role in pressing both sides to keep open lines of communication even if an initial round of discussion produces no breakthrough.

The New York Times

Following an initial round of open-coding, selective-coding was applied to identify key themes in participants' discussions.

BMC Psychiatry

Those efforts included an initial round of White House meetings.

The Washington Post

The company is accepting applications for the initial round of grants through July 1.

University of California, Berkeley

Its initial round of programming, including the "Pajama Party" talk show, was widely criticized as amateurish.

The New York Times

Though workers cooperated in an initial round of concessions, some are opposed now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initial round of discussions", ensure it's clear what the discussions are about and what you hope to achieve. This sets a clear context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "initial round of discussions" in very casual settings; simpler phrases like "first chat" or "early talks" are often more appropriate. Reserve "initial round of discussions" for more formal or professional communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial round of discussions" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, describing a preliminary phase in a series of conversations or meetings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial round of discussions" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it serves a specific purpose in indicating the commencement of conversations or deliberations, especially in neutral to formal contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and academic discourse. Its formality suggests it is best used in professional settings, and you can consider alternatives like "preliminary talks" or "opening discussions" for slight variations in tone and emphasis. Make sure to set a clear context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening discussions

Emphasizes the commencement of discussions, highlighting the start of the process.

initial consultations

Stresses the consultative nature, suggesting seeking advice or opinions.

preliminary talks

Focuses on the 'talks' aspect, suggesting a less formal setting than 'discussions'.

preparatory discussions

Highlights that the discussions are in preparation for something more significant.

first phase of talks

Breaks down the discussions into phases, indicating a multi-stage process.

introductory conversations

Focuses on the conversational aspect, implying a less structured or formal approach.

early stage negotiations

Highlights the negotiation aspect, implying a more formal and goal-oriented conversation.

groundwork talks

Emphasizes the exploratory and foundational nature of the talks.

kick-off discussions

Uses informal language to indicate the commencement of discussions, commonly used in project management.

first meeting of minds

A more idiomatic expression suggesting an attempt to reach an agreement or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "initial round of discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "initial round of discussions" to describe the beginning stage of a conversation or negotiation. For example, "We scheduled an initial round of discussions to explore potential collaboration opportunities."

What are some alternatives to "initial round of discussions"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary talks", "opening discussions", or "first phase of talks" depending on the context.

Is "initial round of discussions" formal or informal?

"Initial round of discussions" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "initial round of discussions" and "first round of discussions"?

While "initial round of discussions" and "first round of discussions" are very similar, "initial" emphasizes the commencement or beginning nature of the discussions, whereas "first" simply indicates the order in a sequence of discussions. The distinction is subtle and often interchangeable.