line of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when discussing a particular topic. For example, "We then moved onto a new line of discussion about healthcare reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He responded with a firm "You are doing just fine, OK," deflecting Ivanovic's line of discussion about how she felt.

The New York Times

SAY what you like about "The Passion of the Christ" -- and I'll bet you have -- one line of discussion has gone unexplored.

The New York Times

Years ago, in other places, I'd engaged in the same line of discussion with other security men, so I thought I could guess what he meant -- how long a suspect can be held without being charged, when he gets to be told his rights, what happens in the interrogation room in the meantime.

The New York Times - Magazine

He began by complaining that Terboven was clamping down on Norwegian shipping routes, and when Hitler tried to cut off this line of discussion Hamsun went on, "Furthermore, the Reich Commissioner on several occasions has said that in the future there won't be any place called Norway".

The New Yorker

This line of discussion connects with other studies that follow the traditional view of the economic benefits of immigration (Borjas, 1995).

Comparative Migration Studies

In the usual line of discussion, philosophers affirm Epistemology and E-M Link 1, and conclude that Mind 1 is false (see Berkeley 1710/2008: sect 18 or Reid 1764/1997: ch. 1).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Focussed at first on these problems, a continuous line of discussions has evolved and carried forward in one form or another down to today.

SEP

Trigger warnings don't just warn students of potentially triggering material; they effectively shut down particular lines of discussion with "that's triggering".

The Guardian - Opinion

We have been invited back following a recent live Q&A debate on the Public Leaders Network, where we had some excellent lines of discussion, summarised here.

The Guardian

Finally, I have included a summary of Habermas's critique of postmodernism, representing the main lines of discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.

SEP

Felicity Huffman’s astounding performance in Transamerica opened lines of discussion we never thought possible, and still we make a spectacle out of this year’s Pregnant Man.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "line of discussion", ensure it clearly refers to a specific aspect or direction within a broader conversation or debate to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "line of discussion" when simply referring to a general conversation. Instead, reserve it for instances where there's a distinct, focused theme or direction within that conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a particular theme, argument, or direction taken within a conversation or debate. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of discussion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a specific theme, argument, or direction within a conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "topic of conversation" exist, "line of discussion" implies a more focused and directional approach. It's essential to use it when referring to a distinct aspect of a broader conversation to avoid misinterpretations. Using "line of discussion" effectively enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic of conversation

Focuses on the subject being talked about, rather than the manner of discussion.

subject under discussion

Highlights the specific matter being examined or debated.

point of contention

Emphasizes disagreement or debate within the discussion.

area of debate

Indicates a specific scope within a broader discussion.

theme of discourse

Suggests a more formal or academic setting for the discussion.

matter at hand

Focuses on the immediate issue being addressed.

subject of inquiry

Highlights a discussion focused on investigation and learning.

thread of conversation

Implies a connected sequence of ideas within a discussion.

issue being discussed

Directly points to the problem or topic being talked about.

focus of dialogue

Emphasizes a structured and intentional conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "line of discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "line of discussion" to refer to a particular subject or theme being explored. For example, "The conference opened a new "line of discussion" about climate change policy".

What's a more formal alternative to "line of discussion"?

Alternatives such as "subject under discussion" or "area of debate" offer a more formal tone than "line of discussion".

How does "line of discussion" differ from "topic of conversation"?

"Topic of conversation" refers to the general subject being talked about, while "line of discussion" implies a specific angle, argument, or approach within that topic.

Is "line of discussion" interchangeable with "train of thought"?

While both relate to thinking and communication, "line of discussion" focuses on the external exchange of ideas, whereas "train of thought" refers to an individual's internal thought process.