sparking discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"sparking discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in any context in which a discussion is being intentionally encouraged or initiated. For example: The professor's provocative question sparked discussion amongst the students about the ethics of the situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It could be useful for sparking discussion and debate among your classes.

The Guardian

"The success on the Kennebec is sparking discussion all over the country," said Margery C. Winters, director of programs and research for the Rivers Coalition, an environmental group.

The New York Times

From Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein to US journalist Charlie Rose, sexual-misconduct secrets spilled out into the open in 2017, sparking discussion and raising awareness around the world.

Nature

Fascinating facts, such as 88% of images being posted by young people online reappear on "parasite" websites, are a brilliant way of sparking discussion and getting students to think carefully about how they conduct themselves.

The Guardian

Most senators remained cautious about the developments, adding quickly after each burst of optimism that any vote late Sunday or early Monday could easily fall apart and that the moderate group was sparking discussion but was hardly in control.

The Washington Post

While the direct effects are not yet clear, the controversy has succeeded in sparking discussion about anorexia and it will hopefully evoke a significant change in the culture that surrounds models and body image in both Israel and the rest of the world.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Memorable figures from the show's history recount just how the docuseries influenced culture by sparking discussions on important topics.

HuffPost

The show has been making its rounds through the media echo chamber, sparking discussions on the appropriateness of using the burqa as a tool for female empowerment.

Vice

"But clear enough to spark discussion".

The New York Times - Magazine

Karunakara's comments sparked discussion on Twitter.

The Guardian

Carolin hoped Magic Mike XXL sparked discussion about body image.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "sparking discussion" is useful when introducing a controversial subject or presenting a new perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "sparking discussion" in overly informal or casual settings. While grammatically correct, it may sound out of place if a simpler phrase like "starting a chat" would suffice. The phrase is more suited for formal and structured contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sparking discussion" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a noun modifier. It describes the action of initiating or stimulating discussion. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, which is used to highlight actions that promote conversation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sparking discussion" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing the initiation of a conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in formal contexts such as academic writing, news reports, and professional communication. While it may not be suitable for very informal settings, its use in diverse fields like news, academia, and science underscores its versatility and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompting debate

Similar to sparking, but suggests a more direct and immediate initiation of the debate.

igniting debate

Emphasizes a more intense and potentially controversial beginning to the discussion.

generating conversation

Focuses on the creation of discussion.

initiating dialogue

Focuses on beginning a conversation or exchange of ideas.

stimulating conversation

Implies that the discussion is being encouraged by making it more interesting and engaging.

triggering discourse

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect nature of starting a formal discussion.

fostering exchange

Highlights the promotion of an open and reciprocal exchange of ideas.

inciting commentary

Indicates that the phrase is encouraging commentary.

opening conversation

It focuses more on the act of opening a conversation rather than encouraging it.

raising awareness

Implies that the goal is to attract attention to promote dialog.

FAQs

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

You can use "sparking discussion" to describe an action that initiates a conversation or debate. For example, "The professor's controversial statement was aimed at "sparking discussion" among the students".

What are some alternatives to "sparking discussion"?

Alternatives to "sparking discussion" include "igniting debate", "fostering exchange", or "generating conversation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sparking discussion" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sparking discussion" is grammatically correct. "Sparking" is a gerund acting as an adjective, modifying the noun "discussion".

In what contexts is "sparking discussion" most appropriate?

"Sparking discussion" is most appropriate in formal contexts such as academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. In more casual settings other alternatives could be more appropriate.