opening discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when initiating a conversation or dialogue on a particular topic or subject matter. Example: "The opening discussion will focus on the challenges we face in the current market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Gates quotes with approval the opening discussion in Adam Smith's outstanding 1759 book "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" on the importance of altruism in human motivation.

The Economist

"Schools and education staff can help by opening discussion with parents and scrutinising holiday requests and summer holiday plans from members of communities that practice FGM.

Independent

Some gun rights advocates fear the opposite: that opening discussion on mental health could be a back door to a flood of new federal gun laws.

The New York Times

"Schools and education staff can help by opening discussion with parents, and scrutinising holiday requests and summer holiday plans from members of communities that practise FGM.

BBC

His belief is that opening discussion of research to a broader audience beyond the handful of reviewers that a typical scientific journal handpicks will allow both errors and high-quality work to get surfaced faster.

TechCrunch

Much like with so many other important topics, the writers dropped the ball on what could have been an eye opening discussion on what sexual abuse during childhood continues to do to adults.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We are opening discussions to the government direction.

TechCrunch

Open discussion and review were difficult.

The Guardian

Open discussion with your board is necessary.

TechCrunch

Wolfsburg have opened discussions on a potential £22m deal.

BBC

Open discussions The Conference has been characterized by candid and open discussions.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opening discussion" to clearly indicate the beginning phase of a conversation or deliberation on a specific topic. This helps set expectations for the focus and scope of the interaction.

Common error

Don't use "opening discussion" as a filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely represents the starting point of a substantive dialogue, rather than a superficial exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening discussion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the initiation of a dialogue or conversation on a specific topic. Ludwig examples show its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening discussion" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the commencement of a dialogue on a particular subject. Ludwig confirms its usability across varied contexts like news, science, and formal business settings. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it effectively sets the stage for substantive deliberation. It's important to avoid using it as a mere filler and ensure it genuinely signifies the initiation of a meaningful exchange. Alternatives such as "commencing dialogue" or "initiating discourse" provide similar, albeit nuanced, options for expressing the start of a conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kickstarting dialogue

Emphasizes an energetic start to a formal conversation.

commencing dialogue

Focuses on the initiation of a formal conversation.

beginning deliberation

Implies a thoughtful and careful start to a discussion.

initiating discourse

Emphasizes a more structured and extended conversation.

setting stage for discussion

Emphasizes preparation and context for the conversation.

launching conversation

Highlights the start of an informal exchange.

prompting conversation

Focuses on encouraging a dialogue.

starting debate

Suggests the beginning of a more argumentative exchange.

introducing topic

Focuses on the presentation of a subject matter.

raising subject

Highlights the act of bringing up a specific issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "opening discussion" to describe the commencement of a dialogue, such as, "The conference began with an "opening discussion" about climate change." It sets the stage for further deliberation.

What phrases are similar to "opening discussion"?

Similar phrases include "commencing dialogue", "initiating discourse", or "launching conversation". Each carries slightly different connotations regarding formality and structure.

Is it better to say "open discussion" or "opening discussion"?

"Open discussion" typically refers to a discussion that is free and unrestricted, while "opening discussion" refers to the beginning of a discussion. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the nature of the dialogue or its starting point.

What's the difference between "opening discussion" and "initial conversation"?

"Initial conversation" simply means the first exchange, whereas "opening discussion" implies a more structured or planned commencement of a dialogue, potentially involving multiple participants and a defined topic.