side discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"side discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it to refer to a conversation that is related to but tangential to the topic under discussion. For example: "We paused our main discussion while we engaged in a side discussion about the importance of punctuality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It includes side discussion on firm-specific human capital.

Harvard Business Review

Woman's Hour, the News Quiz [Friday Flyer and Mara go into lengthy side discussion about how Sandi Toksvig shouldn't have been allowed to leave.] Oh, and one of my favourite podcasts for the gym is Desert Island Discs, because you have that huge archive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We also had a side discussion about whether Carol Bartz could play the part of Winston Churchill.

TechCrunch

And as an interesting side discussion, Peter Rip, a Riya investor (and a friend of mine) takes us all down a notch (TechCrunch is specifically mentioned) saying "Every report was factually incorrect at the time it was printed.

TechCrunch

Apologies for the audio quality – Powerset's Barney Pell, BillShrink's Peter Pham and others were chatting loudly nearby (which led to a side discussion with Pell on the exact price Microsoft paid for Powerset in 2008).

TechCrunch

Technology is no longer a side discussion, but an integral part of a company's strategy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

-- overheard the banter and animatedly began side discussions.

The New York Times - Style

The two, bored in faculty meetings, would hold side discussions on biology.

Columbia University

That meeting witnessed extensive discussions between officials from either side; discussions that, the Americans conceded, were highly constructive.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the interesting side discussions that took place in the recent debate over technological unemployment was the fact that progress may well involve steady erosion in the return to labour relative to capital.

The Economist

Mr. Bezos is known for asking his dinner guests to stick to a single conversation topic at a time to keep people from splintering off into private side discussions.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "side discussion" to clearly indicate a departure from the main topic that is still related or relevant to the overall context. This helps maintain clarity in complex narratives or meeting summaries.

Common error

Avoid letting "side discussions" completely derail the main purpose of a meeting or written piece. Ensure these tangents contribute meaningfully, however briefly, to the core subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side discussion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a conversation which is related to the main topic but is separate from it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side discussion" is a useful and grammatically correct way to describe a tangential conversation that is related to the main topic at hand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia, making it appropriate for a range of communications. To enhance clarity, it's important to use "side discussion" to clearly indicate a departure from the main topic, and to avoid letting these discussions completely derail the main purpose of a conversation or document. Alternatives such as "tangential conversation" or "brief digression" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangential conversation

Focuses on the conversational aspect being off-topic.

secondary topic

Highlights the topic's subordinate role in the overall discussion.

offshoot conversation

Emphasizes the conversational aspect as a derivation from the main conversation.

incidental dialogue

Stresses the casual or unplanned nature of the exchange.

brief digression

Emphasizes the temporary departure from the main subject.

parenthetical remark

Highlights the interjected nature, similar to a parenthetical statement in writing.

passing comment

Underlines the brief and often less important nature of the remark.

related aside

Focuses on the aspect that a conversation is connected but distinct.

supplementary discourse

Suggests that this conversation adds more detail.

by-the-way remark

Highlights the casual and informal delivery.

FAQs

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

You can use "side discussion" to describe a conversation that branches off from the main topic but remains relevant. For example, "During the meeting, we had a "side discussion" about budget allocations".

What are some alternatives to "side discussion"?

Alternatives include "tangential conversation", "secondary topic", or "brief digression", depending on the context.

Is "side discussion" formal or informal?

"Side discussion" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. It is less formal than "supplementary discourse" but more precise than "chat".

When is it appropriate to include a "side discussion" in a written report?

Include a "side discussion" in a written report when it provides additional context, explores related issues, or offers insights that enhance the reader's understanding of the main topic.