lines of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"lines of discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate topics that are being discussed in a conversation, a meeting, or a written exchange. For example: "The committee had many lines of discussion to cover in their two-hour meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even so, flexibility can be maintained within sessions to address issues that arise or to pursue productive lines of discussion.

Harvard Business Review

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

In the iterative process of digital scholarship, we didn't want to foreclose fruitful lines of discussion before we even got started.

Columbia University

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

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

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

We can stop this line of discussion here.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lines of discussion" to refer to specific trajectories or recurring patterns within a conversation, rather than just isolated topics.

Common error

Avoid using "lines of discussion" interchangeably with "topics of discussion" in situations where you need to emphasize the interconnectedness or progression of ideas within a dialogue. "Topics of discussion" are more general and refer to separate subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lines of discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to specific subjects, themes, or trajectories explored within a conversation, debate, or written exchange. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

50%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lines of discussion" is grammatically correct but relatively rare, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to specific subjects, themes, or trajectories explored within a conversation or debate. It is most commonly found in Science and News & Media, and Academia, which suggests a formal, yet neutral register. When writing, it's best to use "lines of discussion" when you want to emphasize the interconnectedness or progression of ideas within a dialogue, and avoid using it interchangeably with "topics of discussion" if that distinction is not relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conversation topics

A shorter, more direct way to refer to the themes being discussed.

topics of conversation

This alternative focuses on the specific subjects being talked about, emphasizing the conversational aspect.

discussion points

A more concise version emphasizing the specific items being discussed.

points of discussion

This option highlights individual items or issues that are being considered or debated.

areas of consideration

This phrase broadens the scope to include aspects that are being thoughtfully examined.

subjects under discussion

This is a more formal way of referring to the topics being talked about.

themes in the conversation

This alternative emphasizes recurring ideas or patterns within a dialogue.

matters for deliberation

This phrase suggests a more formal and thoughtful consideration of various issues.

issues to be addressed

This option focuses on specific problems or concerns that need to be resolved through discussion.

agendas for debate

This alternative emphasizes a planned series of topics intended for structured discussion and argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "lines of discussion" to refer to the different directions or subjects that a conversation takes. For example, "The meeting covered several "points of discussion", but two main "lines of discussion" emerged."

What are some alternatives to "lines of discussion"?

Some alternatives to "lines of discussion" include "topics of conversation", "points of discussion", or "areas of consideration", depending on the specific context.

Is "lines of discussion" formal or informal?

"Lines of discussion" can be used in both formal and informal settings, although it's more common in professional or academic contexts. More casual options like "conversation topics" may be preferred for informal settings.

What's the difference between "lines of discussion" and "areas of discussion"?

"Lines of discussion" suggests a more defined path or direction within a conversation, while "areas of discussion" implies broader, less structured subjects. "Lines" indicates a flow or progression of thought.