serious discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or dialogue that is earnest, thoughtful, and often involves important topics or issues. Example: "We need to have a serious discussion about the future of our project and the challenges we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's under serious discussion".

The New York Times

Such offers deserve serious discussion.

The New York Times

Certain matters were settled after serious discussion.

The New Yorker

"This is not a serious discussion.

The New York Times

Any serious discussion about living more compactly?

University of California, Berkeley

"Yesterday's doubtful proposal has become worthy of serious discussion today".

The Economist

Our interview vacillates between serious discussion and gentle spoofing.

Independent

"I think we need a serious discussion on these issues".

The New York Times

They are also uninterested in any serious discussion.

The Economist

The most "serious" discussion of the evening concerned religion.

The Guardian - Books

It led to a brief, serious discussion about suicide.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, use "serious discussion" to denote the gravity and significance of a conversation, particularly in professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "serious discussion" in overly casual conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "earnest chat" or "important talk" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "discussion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, indicating the topic or focus of an activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a significant and thoughtful conversation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings. For informal scenarios, alternatives like "earnest chat" might be more appropriate. As the Ludwig examples show, "serious discussion" effectively emphasizes the importance of the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", emphasizing a more personal and less formal exchange.

weighty conversation

Emphasizes the importance and seriousness of the topic being discussed.

in-depth debate

Substitutes "discussion" with "debate", highlighting the presence of differing viewpoints and arguments.

meaningful dialogue

Emphasizes the significance and purposefulness of the conversation.

thorough deliberation

Replaces "serious discussion" with a more formal term, suggesting careful and prolonged consideration.

substantial discourse

Uses a more formal and academic term for discussion, implying a detailed and structured exchange of ideas.

critical analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect of the discussion, implying a detailed examination of the topic.

careful examination

Focuses on the meticulous and thorough nature of the analysis.

grave consideration

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the topic being discussed.

intense negotiation

Suggests a discussion involving bargaining and compromise, often in a business or political context.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious discussion" to describe a conversation that is earnest, thoughtful, and often involves important topics. For example: "We need to have a "serious discussion" about our company's future."

What are some alternatives to "serious discussion"?

Alternatives include "earnest conversation", "in-depth debate", or "thorough deliberation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "serious discussion" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "serious discussion" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using alternatives like "important talk" or "heart-to-heart" instead.

What's the difference between "serious discussion" and "serious debate"?

"Serious discussion" implies a thoughtful conversation, while "serious debate" suggests a more structured argument with differing viewpoints. The choice depends on whether the focus is on collaborative exchange or contesting ideas.