several discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

"several discussions" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a number of discussions that may have occurred between two or more parties on a particular topic. Example: After several discussions, the two parties were able to come to an agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conte is out of contract in the summer and has impressed Chelsea during several discussions in the past month.

The Guardian - Sport

Arranging for the work involved several discussions with the superintendent.

The New York Times

Sather has had several discussions with MacLean's agent, RICK CURRAN.

The New York Times - Sports

I have gotten into several discussions with them.

The New Yorker

"We've had several discussions with them about safety," he said.

The New York Times

Neither side went so far as to characterize the several discussions held as settlement negotiations.

The New York Times

"After several discussions had taken place, they were joined by President Barack Obama, Mr. Serraa said.

The New York Times - Science

Ms. Auger told jurors she had several discussions with Mr. Swartz about Mr. Kozlowski's spending.

The New York Times

On the Mumsnet website there are several discussions on the subject.

The Guardian - Money

"The cast and I had several discussions — we wanted this to continue," Mr. Wilson said.

The New York Times

"Mr. Taylor and I had several discussions about the case," Mr. Hon said in an interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider whether the context implies formal deliberations, casual talks, or something in between, and adjust your word choice accordingly. Alternatives like "multiple conversations" or "various deliberations" might be more appropriate depending on the scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "several discussions" when you have a precise number of discussions to report. In such cases, it's better to state the specific quantity, such as "three discussions" or "five meetings". Several implies an indefinite quantity, more than two but not many.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several discussions" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to the act of having multiple conversations, often about a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several discussions" is a grammatically correct and widely used way to indicate that multiple conversations have taken place. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and conveys the idea of deliberation or exchange of ideas over more than one instance. While appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, science and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the implied quantity (more than a few, but not many) and consider whether alternatives like "multiple conversations" or "various deliberations" might be more fitting for a particular situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple conversations

Focuses on the conversational aspect, emphasizing the number of conversations rather than the deliberation.

various deliberations

Highlights the deliberative nature of the discussions, suggesting a more formal or serious tone.

numerous talks

Emphasizes the informal nature of the conversations. It focuses on talks as opposed to a formal discussion or debate.

repeated consultations

Suggests a series of professional or expert opinions being sought.

a number of dialogues

Highlights the exchange of ideas and opinions.

extensive talks

Emphasizes the length and breadth of the conversations.

ongoing negotiations

Highlights the process of bargaining and compromise involved in the discussions.

frequent meetings

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the gatherings.

iterative exchanges

Highlights the back-and-forth nature of the communication, implying a gradual development of understanding.

a series of conferences

Suggests a more structured and formal setting for the discussions.

FAQs

How can I use "several discussions" in a sentence?

You can use "several discussions" to indicate that multiple conversations or deliberations have taken place regarding a particular topic. For example, "After several discussions, the committee reached a consensus".

What are some alternatives to "several discussions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "multiple conversations", "various deliberations", or "numerous talks".

Is it appropriate to use "several discussions" in formal writing?

Yes, "several discussions" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to indicate that a topic has been discussed on more than one occasion without specifying the exact number of discussions. However, in very formal settings, "extensive deliberations" might be a more suitable option.

What's the difference between "several discussions" and "a few discussions"?

"Several discussions" implies a slightly larger number of discussions than "a few discussions". While "a few" typically means around three, "several" suggests more than a few, but not many, generally ranging from three to seven. Therefore, in cases where a more significant number of talks happened, "multiple conversations" might be better.