reasonable discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any dialogue between two or more parties in which all involved parties express opinions and work towards a mutually beneficial outcome. For example: "We had a reasonable discussion about the terms of the contract and were able to come to an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All this had closed off most avenues for reasonable discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

3. The one place you can't have a reasonable discussion about Israel is Washington.

The New Yorker

"These are serious cases, things that could not be said to be consistent with keeping any type of reasonable discussion".

The Guardian

The same commenter went on to say: "I hope both protaganists have a reasonable discussion at the White House.

The New York Times

For America to play a constructive role in supporting peace, a reasonable discussion over US policy is necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has become difficult to have a reasonable discussion about the most controversial president in our recent history.

Harvard University

Dr. Fauci said the issue of whether to buy an immediate stockpile was "a policy question that should be open for reasonable discussion".

The New York Times

Deliberative democracy, school of thought in political theory that claims that political decisions should be the product of fair and reasonable discussion and debate among citizens.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In private, reasonable discussions we were able to persuade our friends in the Senate to prevent votes on amendments hostile to our interests — the worst of which, I might add, was dreamed up by yet another female senator.

The New York Times

"While a separate court considers this question, we remain open to reasonable discussions with Zhizhen".

BBC

No reasonable discussions can take place with such assumptions.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable discussion" when you want to emphasize the importance of logic, fairness, and mutual respect in a conversation or debate. This phrase is appropriate when suggesting that participants should be open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable discussion" sarcastically or in situations where it's clear that a balanced exchange is impossible. Doing so can come across as insensitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reasonable' modifies 'discussion'. It is used to describe a type of conversation or exchange characterized by rationality and fairness. As Ludwig indicates, it refers to a dialogue where involved parties express opinions and work towards a beneficial outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable discussion" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes a fair and logical exchange of ideas. As Ludwig confirms, it's a dialogue where participants aim for a mutually beneficial outcome. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as in academic settings, indicating its versatility. While highly valued, remember to use "reasonable discussion" genuinely; avoid using it sarcastically. Alternatives such as "rational debate" or "constructive dialogue" can offer slightly different nuances depending on your context. Always aim for clarity, respect, and a genuine openness to different perspectives when engaging in a "reasonable discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rational debate

Focuses more on the logical aspect of the exchange, emphasizing reasoned arguments.

constructive dialogue

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

sensible conversation

Highlights the practicality and good sense of the discussion.

productive exchange

Focuses on the outcome of the conversation, suggesting that it leads to tangible results.

reasoned argument

Implies a structured presentation of justifications and evidence.

civil discourse

Stresses the respectful and courteous nature of the communication.

informed discussion

Indicates that participants are knowledgeable about the topic.

thoughtful exchange

Suggests a deep and considered exploration of ideas.

balanced debate

Highlights the presence of multiple viewpoints and fair consideration of each.

logical reasoning

Places a strong emphasis on the validity and soundness of the arguments presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonable discussion" to describe a conversation where participants are respectful and open-minded. For example, "The goal of the meeting is to facilitate a "reasonable discussion" about the proposed changes".

What are some alternatives to "reasonable discussion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rational debate", "constructive dialogue", or "sensible conversation". Each option emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the communication.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "reasonable discussion"?

It's appropriate when suggesting that participants should be open-minded and willing to consider different perspectives. The goal of the discussion should be reaching to agreement or understanding. Use the phrase in contexts that are professional and somewhat formal.

What does it mean to have a "reasonable discussion"?

Having a "reasonable discussion" implies that participants are engaging in a balanced and respectful exchange of ideas, where all viewpoints are considered fairly and arguments are based on logic and evidence rather than emotion or bias.