lead discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of guiding or facilitating conversations or debates on a particular topic. Example: "During the meeting, I will lead discussions on our project timeline and deliverables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It said it would be inappropriate for students to lead discussions on sexuality and sexual conduct.

The New York Times

Among the writers who will conduct workshops and lead discussions are Philip Caputo, Mary Gordon and Jennifer Moses.

The New York Times - Travel

A friend returned while at law school and used to lead discussions on jurisprudence in a rowboat on the lake.

The New York Times

The board maintained that it would be inappropriate for students to lead discussions on sexuality and sexual conduct.

The New York Times

Senior businessfolk are invited to lead discussions; officials share gripes with visiting permanent secretaries (the ministries' top brass).

The Economist

Organizers decided to make the trip educational, with teachers on board to lead discussions on the historical implications of the day, said Suzanne McLoughlin, director of student activities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Lisa Lipkin, storyteller, will lead discussion with audience members after the screenings.

The New York Times - Arts

Teaching assistant As T.A.'s, graduate students lead discussion groups that supplement lectures.

The New York Times

At Harvard, big lecture courses are generally taught with help from graduate students, who lead discussion sessions and grade papers.

The New Yorker

Typically, graduate students lead discussion sessions in large lecture courses, grade papers and tests, and sometimes run actual courses.

The New York Times

In his courses, Goldsmith routinely invited teaching assistants to lead discussion sections.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to make a conversation more inclusive, consider using "facilitate discussions" or "guide discussions" to emphasize support rather than authority.

Common error

Avoid using "dominate discussions" when the intention is to foster collaboration. Using language that suggests control can stifle open dialogue and discourage participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead discussions" functions as a verb phrase where "lead" is the verb indicating the action of guiding or directing, and "discussions" is the noun, representing the topic of guidance. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, and Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lead discussions" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a verb phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its main purpose is to denote the action of guiding conversations or debates, designating responsibility for fostering productive interactions. While the register remains largely neutral, its usage spans from news and media to scientific and formal business contexts. Consider using alternative phrases like "facilitate discussions" or "guide discussions" to fine-tune the emphasis of your communication. Remember to avoid language that suggests excessive control, such as "dominate discussions", to promote a collaborative environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderate discussions

Replaces "lead" with "moderate", emphasizing the role of a neutral facilitator who keeps the discussion balanced.

facilitate discussions

Uses "facilitate" instead of "lead", highlighting the action of making the discussion easier and more productive.

guide discussions

Employs "guide" to suggest directing the flow of conversation, but with a lighter touch than "lead".

steer discussions

Similar to "guide", but implies a more active role in controlling the direction of the discussion.

chair discussions

More formal, referring to presiding over a meeting or debate.

conduct discussions

Replaces "lead" with "conduct", suggesting a formal and organized management of the discussions.

spearhead discussions

Implies initiating and driving the discussions forward, adding a sense of leadership and proactivity.

oversee discussions

Indicates a supervisory role, ensuring the discussions are properly managed and aligned with objectives.

direct discussions

Suggests a more authoritative role in managing the discussions and controlling their content.

head up discussions

A more informal way to say "lead discussions", indicating taking charge of the conversations.

FAQs

How can I use "lead discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "lead discussions" to describe the act of guiding or moderating a conversation. For example, "She will lead discussions on the new company policy".

What are some alternatives to "lead discussions"?

Alternatives include "facilitate discussions", "guide discussions", or "moderate discussions", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lead a discussion" or "lead discussions"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "lead a discussion" refers to a single event, while "lead discussions" refers to multiple or ongoing events.

What's the difference between "lead discussions" and "participate in discussions"?

"Lead discussions" implies a role of guidance and control, whereas "participate in discussions" simply means taking part in a conversation without necessarily directing it.