merits discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merits discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular topic or issue is worthy of being talked about or analyzed further. Example: "The recent changes in policy merits discussion among the stakeholders to understand their implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

That distinction between university and the academic, and apprenticeships and the vocational, is no longer meaningful or merits discussion.

The Guardian

British Vita, based in Manchester, England, said the bid was "not at a level which merits discussion" with Texas Pacific.

The New York Times

The subject of male risk merits discussion if only because the booming yoga industry has long targeted men as a smart way to expand its franchise.

The New York Times

This weekend, I heard from a reader, Len Cassamas, regarding something that I posted last week and that, I agree, merits discussion and calls for explanation.

The New Yorker

The N97 is a neato device, but Nokia has a lot more going on that merits discussion.

TechCrunch

The increase in the use of CE-CTA over the final 5 years of the study period merits discussion, with an increase in CE-CTA (excluding CT pulmonary angiography and CT coronary angiography) from 122 studies in 2005/06 to 396 studies in the final year of data collection.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The American Psychiatric Association agrees that these are important concerns meriting discussion.

The New York Times

"It doesn't even merit discussion," he said.

The New Yorker

Or is that not funny enough to merit discussion?

The Guardian - Opinion

He brings up some interesting matters that merit discussion.

The New Yorker

Perhaps that's why he talks so much about things meriting discussion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merits discussion" to introduce topics that require a thorough and thoughtful conversation, especially when differing viewpoints are expected.

Common error

While "merits discussion" is a perfectly valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "worth talking about" or "should be discussed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merits discussion" functions as a subject complement or predicate nominative, indicating that a particular topic is worthy or deserving of discussion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merits discussion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey that a subject is worthy of being talked about or analyzed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While appropriate for formal and neutral settings like news, science, and business, it may be perceived as overly formal in casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "deserves scrutiny" or "calls for analysis", to fine-tune the tone based on context. When used correctly, "merits discussion" effectively highlights the importance of a topic and encourages thoughtful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warrants consideration

Emphasizes the need for careful thought and attention before making a decision, shifting focus from dialogue to internal deliberation.

deserves scrutiny

Highlights the importance of close examination and critical analysis, adding an element of potential doubt or concern.

calls for analysis

Stresses the necessity of a structured and detailed investigation, indicating a more formal and methodical approach.

justifies examination

Suggests that there are valid reasons to inspect something closely. Implies formal inspection.

is worth exploring

Indicates that a topic has potential value and should be investigated further, focusing on discovery and learning.

begs the question

Highlights the inherent prompting nature of discussion and inquiry.

is ripe for debate

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement and argument, suggesting that there are multiple perspectives to consider.

invites deliberation

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of thoughtful discussion, promoting careful consideration and sharing of ideas.

prompts consideration

Highlights its ability to motivate or initiate deeper thinking.

is up for consideration

Highlights the idea that something is ready and available to be talked about.

FAQs

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

You can use "merits discussion" to indicate that a particular subject is worthy of being talked about or analyzed. For example: "The proposed policy change "merits discussion" among all stakeholders."

What are some alternatives to "merits discussion"?

Alternatives to "merits discussion" include "deserves consideration", "warrants attention", or "is worth exploring", depending on the specific context.

Is "merits discussion" formal or informal?

"Merits discussion" leans towards the formal side but is appropriate in many contexts, from news articles to academic papers. In very casual conversation, you might prefer phrases like "worth talking about".

What's the difference between "merits discussion" and "deserves discussion"?

While similar, "merits discussion" often suggests a more structured or in-depth conversation is needed, whereas "deserves discussion" is a more general statement that something should be talked about. Both are acceptable, but "merits discussion" may imply a higher level of importance or complexity.