started a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started a discussion" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in the following sentence: "The group leader started a discussion about strategies to improve team morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the course of discussing a small nuclear warhead for the Mark 45 torpedo, he started a discussion on the possibility of developing a physically small one-megaton nuclear warhead for the Polaris missile.

Wikipedia

The president has started a discussion about job creation.

The New York Times

We started a discussion about superstitious sports fans earlier.

The Guardian - Sport

We started a discussion about superstitious fans earlier.

The Guardian - Sport

Its location on the first floor started a discussion with her parents.

The New York Times

"We've started a discussion between the younger and older generations," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

2.3 Participants discuss ideas: As soon as ideas are posted, stakeholders can start a discussion.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Tina Brown, rasping with a bad case of laryngitis, kick-started a discussion with the chief executives of four New York publishing houses by asking if they were shocked when Amazon.com began charging $9.99 for e-books — "that paltry, pitiful sum".

The New York Times - Books

But it starts a discussion".

The New York Times

Clavijo said he simply wants to start a discussion.

The Guardian - Travel

I'd call them over and start a discussion group".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started a discussion" when you want to indicate the beginning of a conversation, debate, or exchange of ideas, often in response to a specific event or proposal.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "started a discussion" in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "initiated a dialogue" or "prompted a discourse" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started a discussion" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating a conversation or debate. It typically follows a subject (person, group, event) that is responsible for beginning the discussion. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started a discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the commencement of a conversation, debate, or exchange of ideas. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, more formal alternatives exist for specific contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves the purpose of reporting or describing the initiation of a conversational exchange. Remember to use more formal terms in academic writing. Consider alternatives like "initiated a conversation" or "sparked a debate" for a more sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated a conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", emphasizing a less formal exchange.

commenced a conversation

More formal alternative using "commenced" instead of "started".

sparked a debate

Suggests a more contentious or formal discussion.

prompted a dialogue

Emphasizes a structured and reciprocal exchange of ideas.

set off a debate

Implies a more immediate and possibly explosive reaction.

triggered a discourse

Implies a more academic or intellectual discussion.

fostered an exchange

Highlights the collaborative and interactive nature of the discussion.

launched a consultation

Suggests seeking advice or gathering information from various parties.

opened up a forum

Implies creating a public space for discussion.

instigated a deliberation

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration of a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "started a discussion" to indicate the commencement of a conversation or debate. For example, "The controversial article "started a discussion" about ethical implications".

What are some alternatives to "started a discussion"?

Alternatives include "initiated a conversation", "sparked a debate", or "prompted a dialogue", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "started a discussion" or "initiated a discussion"?

"Initiated a discussion" is generally more formal than "started a discussion". The choice depends on the context; use "initiated" for professional or academic settings and "started" for more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "started a discussion" and "began a discussion"?

"Started a discussion" and "began a discussion" are largely interchangeable. However, "started" is slightly more common and can feel more natural in contemporary English.