opening a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening a discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when initiating a conversation or dialogue on a particular topic or issue. Example: "I would like to start by opening a discussion about our project goals and how we can achieve them together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Opening a discussion is the first step.

The Washington Post

"There are lots of markets — especially if defined broadly enough — that people cannot 'opt out' of," the judge wrote in opening a discussion of the market for food.

The New York Times - Health

We aim to initiate a new Helsinki process by opening a discussion on Russian democracy — again in Helsinki — on Nov. 9-10.

The New York Times

(However, Wendy Hall, a spokeswoman for Halliburton, said that the company is "opening a discussion" with the shareholders who submitted the proposal).

The New York Times

"Having said that, if what is at the centre of the play is provocative, then I think it is useful in terms of opening a discussion".

The Guardian

He will answer questions on any aspect of the problem, but is particularly interested in opening a discussion on consumerism and its ethics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Next Sefako opened a discussion about responsibility for teen sex.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, they open a discussion on the exact health level of the simulating people.

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

Geometric multiscale processing is presented and this opens a discussion about electronic implementation.

Image and Vision Computing

The authors shared their experience and opened a discussion with other centers that deal with severe, accidental hypothermia.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

"I want to open a discussion about the split between top management and the rest of the employees".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "opening a discussion", clearly state the topic and objectives to ensure participants understand the purpose and scope of the conversation.

Common error

Avoid jargon or technical terms without explanation when "opening a discussion", especially with a diverse audience. Start with common ground to ensure everyone can participate effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening a discussion" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce or initiate a conversation or exchange of ideas on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing it appears in various contexts to denote the commencement of deliberations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening a discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote the commencement of a conversation or dialogue. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. The phrase serves the purpose of inviting participation and fostering an exchange of ideas. While generally neutral in tone, being mindful of jargon and audience knowledge is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases like "initiating a dialogue" or "starting a conversation" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiating a dialogue

Focuses on starting a two-way conversation rather than a broader discussion.

starting a conversation

Emphasizes the beginning of an informal exchange.

launching a debate

Implies a more formal and structured argument.

commencing deliberations

Suggests a more formal and structured process of consideration.

raising a topic

Highlights the introduction of a subject for discussion.

introducing a subject

Similar to raising a topic, but can also refer to introducing a new theme or concept.

setting the stage for dialogue

Emphasizes preparation for a forthcoming exchange.

getting the ball rolling on

An idiom suggesting starting an action or activity with enthusiasm.

broaching a subject

Implies cautiously introducing a potentially sensitive topic.

presenting a proposal

Suggests formally introducing a plan or idea for consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "opening a discussion" to introduce a new topic, for example: "I'm "opening a discussion" about the new marketing strategy" or "Let's start by "opening a discussion" on the recent budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "opening a discussion"?

Alternatives to "opening a discussion" include "initiating a dialogue", "starting a conversation", or "launching a debate", depending on the context and formality of the situation.

Is it better to say "opening a discussion" or "starting a discussion"?

"Opening a discussion" and "starting a discussion" are often interchangeable. "Opening a discussion" might imply a more formal or structured approach, while "starting a discussion" can be more casual. The best choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "opening a discussion" and "opening a dialogue"?

"Opening a discussion" generally refers to a broader conversation with multiple participants. "Opening a dialogue" typically implies a more focused, two-way exchange between individuals or groups, often aimed at understanding different perspectives.