starting a discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting a discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the initiation of a conversation or dialogue on a particular topic. Example: "I believe that starting a discussion about climate change is essential for raising awareness and finding solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

So there was no point in starting a discussion on the joys of paradox.

The Guardian

The Family First senator, Bob Day, has made his support contingent on the government "starting a discussion" about income splitting.

The Guardian

So I commend Professor Gates for starting a discussion that should have been had in 1910 rather than 2010.

The New York Times

Mr. Lawson hesitated only a moment before starting a discussion of the international arms trade and how difficult it was to disarm a society armed to the teeth.

The New York Times

How do you begin starting a discussion around these ideas so that we can ultimately begin to create norms and values that clarify digital literacy?

Harvard University

Applauding Mr. Merz for starting a discussion over issues long taboo, the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine noted, "The unshakable belief that after Auschwitz there can be nothing specifically 'German' has affected whole generations".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 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

But it starts a discussion".

The New York Times

The president has started a discussion about job creation.

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 "starting a discussion" to introduce the idea of beginning a conversation, debate, or exchange of ideas on a particular subject. It's suitable when you want to highlight the initiation of dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "starting a discussion" when you actually mean facilitating or moderating an ongoing discussion. The phrase specifically refers to the initial act of beginning the conversation, not its continuation or guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting a discussion" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or subject in a sentence. It denotes the action of initiating a conversation or dialogue, as evidenced by Ludwig and its examples from various sources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting a discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that introduces the initiation of a conversation or dialogue. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It's crucial to distinguish its meaning from facilitating or moderating an ongoing discussion. Remember to employ this phrase when emphasizing the commencement of a conversation. The insights from Ludwig highlight its proper use and offer alternatives like "initiating a dialogue" to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiating a dialogue

Replaces "discussion" with "dialogue", implying a more formal and structured conversation.

commencing a conversation

Uses more formal terms "commencing" and "conversation" instead of "starting" and "discussion".

launching a debate

Substitutes "discussion" with "debate", suggesting a more argumentative or competitive exchange of ideas.

raising a topic

Focuses on the act of introducing a subject rather than the ensuing conversation.

introducing a subject for debate

More verbose, emphasizing the formal introduction of a topic intended for debate.

opening up a conversation

Emphasizes making a conversation more accessible or broader.

setting the stage for discussion

Emphasizes preparation for a discussion.

prompting a dialogue

Suggests the act of causing a dialogue to begin.

instigating a conversation

Suggests initiating a conversation that may be controversial or lead to conflict.

broaching a topic

Implies introducing a sensitive or difficult subject.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "starting a discussion" in a sentence?

The phrase "starting a discussion" typically introduces the act of initiating a conversation on a specific topic. For example, "Starting a discussion about climate change is crucial for raising awareness".

What can I say instead of "starting a discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "initiating a dialogue", "commencing a conversation", or "raising a topic", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start a discussion" instead of "starting a discussion"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Starting a discussion" is a gerund phrase that acts as a noun, while "start a discussion" is an imperative or infinitive phrase, often used to give a command or express a purpose.

What's the difference between "starting a discussion" and "continuing a discussion"?

"Starting a discussion" refers to the act of beginning a conversation, whereas "continuing a discussion" refers to the act of keeping an already ongoing conversation active and moving forward.