start discussion about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start discussion about" is not entirely correct; it should be "start a discussion about" for proper usage in written English.
You can use it when you want to initiate a conversation or dialogue on a specific topic. Example: "Let's start a discussion about the new policies being implemented in our department."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is therefore envisaged that the dissemination workshop, which will take place in 2012, should be organised in connection with a NORMAN Expert Group meeting with invited experts in ecotoxicology and in passive sampling (analytical aspects) to start discussion about the possible routes to match the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) established under the WFD with passive sampling results.

Environmental Sciences Europe

For more Information on the stillning schedule and think please go theatersincareationfilm.com.

Huffington Post

The treating physician uses the graphical PRO result presentation within patient-physician contact to start discussion about specific issues or to talk about changes in health condition.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

If you want stories to back up your lessons you can use non-religious stories like Aesop's Fables, folk or fairy tales to start discussion about moral questions.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At that point, Uefa will start discussions about finding an alternative candidate to oppose Blatter in April 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Alec Stewart, our director of cricket, will probably start discussions about it towards the end of this season".

The Guardian - Sport

Remind students that parents are not the only ones who can start discussions about the Internet, safety and privacy.

The New York Times

To coincide with the acceptance of his prize in Sweden he used Facebook and Twitter to start discussions about how the traditional publishing process needed to change.

The Guardian

I'm very clear: we haven't even started discussions – we need to start discussions about how you bring a transition about," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday.

Independent

Their main purpose was to start discussions about the FARC's demobilisation and decommissioning of weapons, so that this can proceed swiftly if and when a final deal is reached.

The Economist

"I've had some discussions with other ministers, as well as with Secretary General Annan, whether or not it would be appropriate to start discussions about other U.N. resolutions," Mr. Powell said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and grammatical correctness, prefer the phrasing "start a discussion about" over "start discussion about". The inclusion of the article 'a' makes the phrase sound more natural and grammatically sound.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article 'a' before "discussion". While "start discussion about" might be understood, it's less grammatically correct than "start a discussion about" and can sound awkward in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start discussion about" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the initiation of a conversation or debate on a specific topic. Ludwig AI highlights that adding the article 'a' (i.e., "start a discussion about") improves grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "start discussion about" is understandable, it's generally considered more grammatically correct and natural to use "start a discussion about". Ludwig AI underscores this preference. The phrase is versatile and can be used across various contexts from News & Media and Science to less formal discussions. For more formal writing, consider using synonyms like "initiate a discussion about" or "commence a dialogue regarding". When using, remember to include the article "a" to ensure grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a discussion about

Replaces "start" with a more formal synonym, "initiate".

begin a conversation about

Substitutes "discussion" with "conversation", implying a less formal exchange.

commence a dialogue regarding

Uses "commence" and "dialogue" for a more elevated and formal tone, also changes "about" to "regarding".

open up a discussion on

Employs "open up" to emphasize the act of making the discussion accessible.

launch a debate concerning

Replaces "discussion" with "debate", suggesting a more argumentative exchange, also changes "about" to "concerning".

kick off a discussion regarding

Uses the informal phrase "kick off" to indicate the start of a discussion, also changes "about" to "regarding".

table a topic for discussion

Implies formally introducing a subject to be discussed.

raise a question for discussion

Focuses on posing a question to initiate the discussion.

introduce a subject for debate

Highlights introducing a subject with the intent of sparking debate.

prompt a discourse on

Suggests stimulating a broader, more academic discussion, also changes "about" to "on".

FAQs

How can I correctly use "start discussion about" in a sentence?

While "start discussion about" is understandable, it's more grammatically correct to say "start a discussion about". For example: "Let's "start a discussion about" the new project guidelines".

What are some alternatives to "start discussion about"?

You can use alternatives such as "initiate a discussion about", "begin a conversation about", or "open up a discussion on" depending on the context.

Is "start discussion about" grammatically correct?

Ludwig AI indicates that it's more appropriate to say "start a discussion about". Omitting the article "a" makes the phrase less grammatically sound and slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "start discussion about" and "start a discussion about"?

The phrase ""start a discussion about"" includes the article "a", making it grammatically correct and more natural-sounding. "Start discussion about" is missing the article, making it less preferable in formal contexts.