instigating discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instigating discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of provoking or initiating a conversation or debate on a particular topic. Example: "The speaker was successful in instigating discussion among the audience about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The use of workshops to discuss key issues is a useful means of not only instigating discussion but also leads to trust and 'buy in' from the participants.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

*This lecturer instigated discussion questions in the classroom.

BMC Medical Education

Finally, a journal can instigate discussion on a topic or issue by bringing them to light as we are doing by publishing this editorial.

BMC Genomics

These teams can also help instigate discussion regarding goals of care for individual patients, including appropriateness (or not) of ICU admission and end-of-life decision-making [ 26, 27].

Critical Care

The RFU insists Andrew was not pushed but instigated discussions with his chief executive, Ian Ritchie, earlier this year with a view to departing the union.

The Guardian - Sport

"However, from a personal perspective, I instigated discussions last weekend after considering matters with my family, as the time is right for me to leave Scottish Rugby and move on to fresh challenges".

BBC

For further information about dying, and how to instigate discussions please contact me at [email protected] or visit my website.

Huffington Post

Usually, the person instigating the "discussion" has very strong opinions on the topic and an even stronger interest in seeing to it that you agree with them, regardless of your actual feelings.

Huffington Post

Nemes admirably re-instigates discussion of the awe-inspiring, complex, and yet unassimilated experience of Lanzmann's films — and does so perhaps even more discerningly than much written criticism does.

The New Yorker

It was not clear whether the informant or someone else brought the guns and instigated the discussion.

The New York Times

Even in schools where attendance at parents' evening is high, she says, it can be difficult to instigate meaningful discussion on topics such as curriculum changes and extra-curricular offerings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "instigate discussion", consider providing a clear and engaging starting point, such as a thought-provoking question or a controversial statement, to capture the audience's attention.

Common error

Avoid "instigating discussion" through overly aggressive or confrontational tactics. Ensure your approach encourages open dialogue rather than shutting down opposing viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instigating discussion" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a verb. The primary function is to describe the action of initiating or prompting a conversation or debate on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instigating discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of starting or prompting a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. While it can be used in both formal and informal situations, maintaining a respectful and open tone is crucial. Related phrases like "generating discussion" or "stimulating discussion" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, it's important to provide an engaging starting point to capture the audience's attention and encourage open dialogue, while avoiding overly aggressive or confrontational tactics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instigating conversations

A direct synonym, replacing "discussion" with the more general "conversations".

generating discussion

Focuses on the creation of discussion, emphasizing the outcome rather than the initiation.

fomenting discussion

Implies stirring up discussion, often with a sense of controversy or intensity.

stimulating discussion

Suggests making the discussion more lively or interesting, adding energy to it.

sparking discussion

Highlights the sudden and quick start of a discussion, like a spark igniting a fire.

provoking discussion

Emphasizes the act of causing or eliciting a discussion, often with a challenging aspect.

motivating discussion

Indicates providing a reason or incentive for the discussion to take place.

eliciting discussion

Focuses on drawing out or obtaining a discussion from others.

engaging discussion

Focuses on making the discussion captivating and involving for participants.

triggering discussion

Suggests setting off or initiating a discussion, often in response to a specific event or stimulus.

FAQs

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

You can use "instigating discussion" to describe the action of starting or prompting a conversation. For example, "The article was aimed at "sparking discussion" about ethical concerns in AI."

What are some alternatives to "instigating discussion"?

Alternatives include "generating discussion", "stimulating discussion", or "provoking discussion", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is "instigating discussion" formal or informal?

"Instigating discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the setting. However, in professional settings, consider using it with a clear and respectful tone.

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

"Instigating discussion" refers to the act of initiating or starting a conversation, whereas "having a discussion" simply means participating in a conversation that is already underway.