sustained discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an ongoing or continuous conversation or discussion on a particular topic. Example: "The conference aimed to promote sustained discourse on climate change and its global impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For starters, I'll note that the picture Boykoff and Brulle draw of a new form of communication involving sustained discourse among scientists, policy makers and analysts, journalists and the public feels an awful lot like Dot Earth and the community of blogs in this arena.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At one level, this sustained a discourse coalition around the energy for export narrative and that the opposition cannot stand in the way of the future.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The analytic framework informing the critical analysis of text in this study included the following step by step processes; becoming familiar with the text, identifying themes and examining relationships between discourses, identifying discursive strategies used to sustain the discourse and examining the effects of the discourse.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Student groups simultaneously used presentational language and managed interpersonal interaction with several distinct audiences, manifested through participant structures that required them to sustain extended discourse and respond to interjections from the teacher.

Linguistics and Education

The teaching and learning of argumentation are based on premises that are consistent with the wider literature in science education, namely in framing science learning in terms of the appropriation of community practices that provide the structure, motivation and modes of communication required to sustain scientific discourse (Kelly & Chen 1999; Lemke 1990).

International Journal of STEM Education

The 'Practical Inquiry model' was useful in facilitating a sustained on-topic discourse involving critical thinking.

Computers & Education

My effort to engender in my students a capacity to engage in sustained and focused discourse with other specific individual human beings on matters of truth and morality doesn't pay.

Huffington Post

Sustainability discourse is becoming ubiquitous.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

The discourses that sustained and promoted hydropower plant construction and associated development projects in the watershed are scrutinized, showing how the dream of conquering nature through engineers' technical skills was enmeshed with political agendas and visions of modernizing not only nature, but also people.

Journal of Historical Geography

There is a risk that their powerful female voices will inadvertently sustain another political discourse: the words and actions of an illustrious line of men who continue to justify their imperial ambitions on the bodies, often dead bodies, of Muslim women.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the art market, in Time magazine, 1989: If there were only one copy of each book in the world, fought over by multimillionaires and investment trusts, what would happen to one's sense of literature – the tissue of its meanings that sustain a common discourse?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustained discourse" to indicate a deliberate and ongoing exchange of ideas, particularly in academic or formal contexts. It suggests a commitment to thorough exploration of a topic.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "sustained discourse" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "ongoing conversation" or "extended discussion" in less formal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained discourse" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it denotes an ongoing or continuous conversation or discussion on a particular topic. The adjective "sustained" modifies the noun "discourse", emphasizing the continuous nature of the discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained discourse" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing and focused conversation. While Ludwig shows it appears primarily in scientific and news contexts, it is relatively rare overall. When aiming for clarity and impact, consider the formality of "sustained discourse" and choose simpler terms like "ongoing discussion" or "continuous dialogue" for casual contexts. Remember, effective communication is not just about using correct grammar but also choosing the right tone for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustained dialogue

Synonymous replacement of "discourse" to "dialogue".

sustained conversation

Synonymous replacement of "discourse" to "conversation".

prolonged dialogue

Replaces "discourse" with "dialogue" and "sustained" with "prolonged", emphasizing the extended nature of the conversation.

continuous conversation

Focuses on the unbroken nature of the exchange, using simpler terms.

ongoing discussion

Highlights the continuing aspect of the discussion.

extended communication

Broadens the scope to any form of communication that is prolonged.

uninterrupted discussion

Highlights the lack of interruptions in the discussion.

lengthy debate

Highlights the argumentative nature of the exchange and its extended duration.

in-depth exchange

Focuses on the thoroughness of the conversation.

continued interaction

Emphasizes the ongoing reciprocal action.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained discourse" in a sentence?

You can use "sustained discourse" to describe a continuous and focused conversation or discussion, such as: "The conference aimed to promote sustained discourse on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "sustained discourse"?

Alternatives include "prolonged dialogue", "continuous conversation", or "ongoing discussion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "sustained discourse" appropriate for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "sustained discourse" is quite formal. For informal communication, consider alternatives like "long chat" or "extended talk".

What distinguishes "sustained discourse" from a simple conversation?

"Sustained discourse" implies a more deliberate, focused, and continuous exchange of ideas than a simple conversation. It suggests a commitment to in-depth exploration of a topic, closer to an "ongoing debate" or "prolonged discussion".