small discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"small discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe casual conversations or conversations that involve few people. For example, "Today we had a small discussion about our plans for the upcoming holiday weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She and Mrs. Mintsiveris are friends and belong to the same small discussion group, but they had never discussed their finances.

The New York Times

With a few friends he had met in Bern, Einstein started a small discussion group, self-mockingly named "The Olympia Academy", which met regularly to discuss science and philosophy.

Wikipedia

This alone deserves a small discussion.

Columbia University

The AI normally conducts precepts (small discussion groups).

Princeton University

12 20 P.M. Break out into several small discussion groups on Gchat to remedy this issue.

The New Yorker

Participants listened in and then separated into small discussion groups over two days, Natarajan said.

The Washington Post

IntroSems give you the opportunity to know Stanford professors in a small discussion section format.

Stanford University

Where his predecessor went in for big meetings to thrash out ideas, Mr Brown prefers small discussion groups.

The Guardian - Business

The courses did not, however, survive: small discussion courses were untenable, and lectures were not well-received.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The New School's small, discussion-based classes also directly engage with the city and require numerous field trips to cultural events in the five boroughs.

The New York Times

If you've taken a seminar (small, discussion-based course) with Professor Lamont, or if she advised/is advising your thesis or dissertation, she can write for you.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small discussion" to describe informal or brief exchanges of ideas, especially when the number of participants is limited.

Common error

Avoid using "small discussion" when the conversation involves critical decisions or complex problem-solving. Instead, opt for terms like "meeting", "consultation", or "deliberation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "discussion". It describes the size or scope of a conversation, often implying it's limited in duration or participants. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small discussion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for describing brief, informal conversations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "brief deliberation". The term is commonly found in academic papers, news articles, and everyday communications, accurately portraying limited exchanges of ideas. Remember, the key is to ensure that the term appropriately reflects the scope and importance of the discussion you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief chat

Implies a very short and informal conversation, emphasizing brevity more than deliberation.

quick conversation

Focuses on the speed and informality of the exchange.

informal talk

Highlights the relaxed and unstructured nature of the discussion.

casual exchange

Suggests a light and effortless sharing of thoughts or ideas.

minor debate

Indicates a limited disagreement or argument, less intense than a full-blown debate.

concise deliberation

Emphasizes the brevity and focused nature of the consideration.

brief consultation

Suggests a short session for seeking advice or information.

short dialogue

Implies a concise exchange between two or more people.

limited discourse

Highlights the restricted scope or duration of the discussion.

preliminary talk

Indicates an initial discussion that may lead to more extensive talks later.

FAQs

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

You can use "small discussion" to describe informal or brief conversations. For example, "The team had a "small discussion" about the project's next steps."

What are some alternatives to "small discussion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "brief chat", "quick conversation", or "informal talk".

Is it appropriate to use "small discussion" in formal writing?

While "small discussion" is grammatically correct, it leans towards informality. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "brief deliberation" or "preliminary consultation" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "small discussion" and "detailed debate"?

"Small discussion" implies a short and informal exchange of ideas, whereas "detailed debate" suggests a more structured and in-depth argument with differing viewpoints.