proper discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to talk about a well-structured and meaningful conversation. For example, "We had a proper discussion about the future of the company during the staff meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will have a proper discussion.

The Guardian - Sport

No sane person would rush this through without proper discussion.

The Guardian

"There should be a proper discussion about it.

The Guardian

Let's have a proper discussion about Britain's future role in supporting development in other countries.

The Guardian

One that helps to prevent proper discussion of the law on assisted dying.

The Guardian

It is yet another attempt to avoid a proper discussion on abortion".

The Guardian

We will begin a proper discussion of the book on Monday, with a post from Ian.

The New Yorker

Having a proper discussion about overdrafts is essential for avoiding unwanted debt.

The Guardian

"We didn't get proper answers or a proper discussion," complains the prime minister, Andrius Kubilius.

The Economist

We know from other countries that a proper discussion on government-controlled data leads to different outcomes.

The Guardian

There is no doubt that the time is ripe for a proper discussion about race among your theatre friends.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proper discussion" when you want to emphasize that a conversation should be thorough, respectful, and focused on the relevant issues. It implies a structured and meaningful exchange of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "proper discussion" in casual or informal settings. Opt for words like "chat" or "talk" if the situation is relaxed and doesn't require a formal or in-depth exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where "proper" modifies the noun "discussion", indicating a specific type of discussion. Ludwig provides examples showing its role in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proper discussion" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a thorough, respectful, and well-structured conversation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and appears frequently in news media, scientific articles, and formal business contexts. While it's suitable for professional and academic settings, it might be too formal for casual conversations. Alternative phrases like "thorough debate" or "constructive dialogue" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constructive dialogue

Highlights the positive and productive nature of the conversation, focusing on building understanding.

serious deliberation

Highlights the gravity and careful consideration involved in the discussion.

thorough debate

Emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of the exchange, focusing on argumentation.

substantive discourse

Highlights the serious and meaningful nature of the discussion, focusing on the content.

meaningful conversation

Stresses the importance and impact of the exchange, indicating a deeper level of engagement.

careful consideration

Stresses the thoughtfulness and attention to detail given to a particular topic.

detailed examination

Focuses on a comprehensive and thorough inspection of the topic.

in-depth analysis

Focuses on a detailed examination of a subject, implying a structured and thoughtful approach.

open exchange

Emphasizes the freedom and transparency of the conversation.

fruitful exchange

Emphasizes the beneficial and productive nature of the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "proper discussion" to describe a thorough and respectful conversation. For example, "The committee needs to have a "proper discussion" about the budget before making any decisions."

What's a good alternative to "proper discussion"?

Alternatives include "thorough debate", "constructive dialogue", or "meaningful conversation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "proper discussion" formal or informal?

"Proper discussion" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but might sound too formal for casual conversations.

What makes a discussion "proper"?

A "proper discussion" implies that the conversation is well-structured, respectful, and focused on the relevant issues. It suggests a thorough and meaningful exchange of ideas, rather than a casual chat.