start the discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"start the discussion" is correct and usable in written English and can be used at the beginning of a sentence or phrase.
For example: "Let's start the discussion by looking at the potential benefits of this new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Open questions were asked to make it possible for the parents to start the discussion themselves and discuss the themes they found most interesting.

BMC Nursing

Start the discussion early.

Harvard University

We'll start the discussion in a couple of minutes.

The New Yorker

Why did we start the discussion in the first place?

The Guardian

There was a need to start the discussion.

Stanford University

"We need to start the discussion (about building our own)," said sporting director Michael Preetz.

The Guardian - Sport

There are credible ideas on the table to start the discussion.

The New York Times

We'll start the discussion on Monday, and we invite readers to contribute their comments.

The New York Times

"I just think that was the wrong way to start the discussion," Mr. Cornyn said.

The New York Times

I'm sure schools trying to desegregate now would find it harder to start the discussion.

The New York Times

As Bush rose to start the discussion, he seemed nervous, and he began almost breathlessly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster collaboration, frame "start the discussion" with open-ended questions. This encourages broader participation and diverse perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or technical language when you "start the discussion", especially with a diverse audience. Clear and simple language promotes better understanding and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the discussion" functions as a verb phrase used to initiate a conversation or deliberation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use across various contexts to introduce a topic or invite engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start the discussion" is a versatile and widely used expression for initiating conversations across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, indicating its relevance in both current affairs and academic fields. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "initiate the conversation" or "begin the dialogue", depending on the desired tone and formality. Remember to use clear and simple language when starting a discussion to ensure maximum engagement and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the conversation

Focuses on beginning a two-way exchange, emphasizing interaction.

begin the dialogue

Implies a more formal and structured exchange of ideas.

commence the debate

Suggests a more argumentative and structured discussion.

open the floor

Indicates an invitation for others to speak and share their views.

kick off the conversation

Offers a more casual and energetic way to start talking.

launch the discussion

Emphasizes a planned and purposeful start to the exchange.

table the topic

A less common expression that suggest opening a topic.

introduce the subject

Emphasizes presenting the topic to be discussed.

raise the issue

Highlights bringing up a specific concern or problem for discussion.

broach the topic

Suggests a delicate or cautious approach to introducing the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "start the discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "start the discussion" to introduce a new topic or encourage interaction, as in "Let's start the discussion about the new marketing strategy" or "How do we start the discussion with stakeholders about the proposed changes?"

What are some alternatives to "start the discussion"?

Consider using phrases such as "initiate the conversation", "begin the dialogue", or "launch the discussion" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "start the discussion" in formal writing?

Yes, "start the discussion" is suitable for formal writing. However, for highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "commence the debate" or "initiate the conversation".

What's the best way to "start the discussion" in a group setting?

Begin by clearly stating the topic and providing relevant background information. Frame open-ended questions to encourage participation, and create a welcoming environment for diverse perspectives.