someone to discuss things with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "someone to discuss things with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who is available for conversation or dialogue about various topics. Example: "I really need someone to discuss things with, especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

PT2 "The most startling thing about the experience was all my life I've never had anybody to talk to, there're things I wouldn't even discuss with my wife and to have an outsider person that didn't really know me who was impartial… that helped me a great deal, just by having someone to discuss things with".

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People need to discuss things with other people.

TechCrunch

This serves to allow us to discuss things with less clutter.

SEP

"In lecture I also really enjoyed taking time to discuss things with my other classmates.

CBE Life Sciences Education

You see the family carer, who often ends up dealing with most of the demands for help and care, and they say, well, I'm finding it a bit too much, I'm finding the going too tough, I need someone I can discuss things with now and then.

BMC Family Practice

And so to be able to comfortably discuss things with her [family physician] means everything.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

It's not usually a good idea to discuss things like marriage and children right off the bat when you meet someone you're interested in.

WikiHow

Be prepared to discuss things that are very personal, which you may not be accustomed to discussing with others.

Huffington Post

Bulgaria has called time to discuss things.

The New York Times

To talk and to discuss things.

Critical Public Health

Seek a direct appointment to discuss things.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "someone to discuss things with" when you want to emphasize the importance of having a person available for open and meaningful dialogue, especially in situations involving personal or complex matters.

Common error

While "someone to discuss things with" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. More precise terms like "consultant", "advisor", or "colleague" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "someone to discuss things with" functions as a noun phrase identifying an individual who provides a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to express a need for companionship or support.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "someone to discuss things with" is a common phrase used to express the need for a person who can provide companionship, emotional support, or intellectual exchange. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, ranging from news articles to scientific publications. While generally versatile, it's best to reserve it for informal or neutral contexts, opting for more specific terms in formal settings. Related phrases like "a confidant" or "a sounding board" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conversation partner

Directly refers to engaging in dialogue.

a confidant

Focuses on the aspect of trust and sharing secrets or personal matters.

a person to share thoughts with

Emphasizes the sharing of internal thoughts and feelings.

a sounding board

Emphasizes the role of someone who listens and provides feedback or helps refine ideas.

a trusted advisor

Highlights the advice-giving aspect of the relationship.

a sympathetic ear

Focuses on empathy and understanding from the listener.

an understanding friend

Focuses on the friendship and understanding aspects.

someone to bounce ideas off of

Highlights the collaborative aspect of idea generation.

a shoulder to cry on

Highlights emotional support during difficult times.

a peer for consultation

Focuses on consultation among equals.

FAQs

How can I use "someone to discuss things with" in a sentence?

You can use "someone to discuss things with" to describe needing a person for meaningful conversation, as in, "I really need "someone to discuss things with" after such a stressful day".

What are some alternatives to "someone to discuss things with"?

Alternatives include "a confidant", "a sounding board", or "a trusted advisor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "someone to discuss things with" formal or informal?

"Someone to discuss things with" leans towards the informal side. In formal settings, consider more precise alternatives like "consultant" or "advisor".

When is it appropriate to use "someone to discuss things with"?

It's appropriate to use "someone to discuss things with" when you want to highlight the need for a person who is available for open and meaningful dialogue, particularly in personal or sensitive situations.