prior discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation or exchange of ideas that took place before the current point in time. Example: "As we agreed in our prior discussion, the project deadline has been moved to next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See our prior discussion of the limitations of a "chemtrails -only monitor.

Nature

He tends to set off without specific columns in mind, and without prior discussion with editors at the Times.

The New Yorker

Please note: We request that no funding request exceed $10,000 without prior discussion.

Princeton University

He insisted that he had had no prior discussion with members of the cabinet and only talked to Hewitt because she had independently come to the same conclusion.

The Guardian

Peter Lownds, representing Lintott, said his client's intention was to steal the pizzas and there was no prior discussion about punching the delivery driver.

The Guardian

The left-back's name was absent from all prior discussion of the men who ought to share the goal-gathering duties with Thierry Henry.

The Guardian - Sport

There may be some prior discussion about which subjects people within the community surrounding the event might like to hear about, but never anything more specific than that.

The Guardian

The Germans kept the details of most of their military plans concealed, presenting their allies with a fait accompli for fear that prior discussion would destroy surprise.

Britannica

Our prior discussion establishes that the scope of fair use is narrower with respect to unpublished works.

Cornell University

This issue is answered by our prior discussion of the evidence in this record relating to force and violence.

Cornell University

The report from that investigation faulted Mr. Gonzalez for putting the item on the agenda without prior discussion, but said no illegal activity took place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing a "prior discussion", briefly summarize key points to refresh the reader's memory and provide context for the current topic.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience remembers all the details of the "prior discussion". Always provide a concise summary or key takeaways to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "after a prior discussion") or as a modifier to a noun (e.g., "the prior discussion outcomes"). As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior discussion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to reference a previous conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its common occurrence in News & Media, Science, and Academia, serving to provide context and establish shared understanding. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by summarizing key points from the earlier discussion to avoid assumptions about audience recall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous discussion

Replaces "prior" with "previous", maintaining the same meaning of something happening before.

earlier discussion

Substitutes "prior" with "earlier", indicating a discussion that took place at a previous time.

preceding discussion

Uses "preceding" instead of "prior", emphasizing the temporal order of the discussion.

preliminary discussion

Implies that the discussion was an initial or preparatory one.

initial discussion

Similar to "preliminary discussion", suggesting the very first conversation on the topic.

previous conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", offering a more informal alternative.

earlier conversation

Combines "earlier" with "conversation" for a slightly less formal tone.

pre-discussion

A more concise, hyphenated form indicating a discussion before the main event or topic.

advance discussion

Suggests the discussion happened ahead of an event or action.

prearranged discussion

Implies that the discussion was planned or scheduled in advance.

FAQs

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

You can use "prior discussion" to refer back to something you and your audience have previously discussed. For example, "Following our prior discussion, I've prepared a detailed proposal."

What's a more formal way to say "prior discussion"?

More formal alternatives include "previous discussion" or "earlier discussion". These phrases maintain a professional tone suitable for academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "prior discussion" and "preliminary discussion"?

"Prior discussion" simply indicates a conversation that happened before. "Preliminary discussion" suggests that it was an initial conversation, setting the stage for more detailed discussions later.

Is "prior discussion" the same as "previous engagement"?

No, while both relate to past events, "prior discussion" refers specifically to a conversation or exchange of ideas. "Previous engagement" is a broader term that encompasses any prior involvement or commitment.