sustained discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an ongoing or prolonged conversation or dialogue about a particular topic. Example: "The committee held a sustained discussion on the proposed changes to the policy, ensuring that all viewpoints were considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A sustained debate about the role of the ICC will hopefully lead to a sustained discussion about the need to strengthen domestic and regional legal systems, which would make recourse to The Hague unnecessary.

Huffington Post

So we get a snippet on the General Strike but no sustained discussion of Sitwell's politics.

The Guardian - Books

Uplift from seepage has caused sustained discussion among engineers dating back as far as the 1890s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A much bigger problem is his decision to shy away from sustained discussion of Donne's poetry as poetry.

The Economist

The initiative is the "beginning of an ongoing, sustained discussion about what it is the public relations industry does," he added.

The New York Times

Perhaps the absence of any sustained discussion in the campaign should be of little surprise: Mr. Obama is haunted by seemingly reasonable assumptions made in 2009 about how the troop increase would turn out, almost all of which turned out to be off the mark.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Few patients identified life sustaining treatment discussions as a priority, and for many of our patients, pain was not the primary symptom of concern.

BMC Palliative Care

We made little improvement in the area of discussions regarding life sustaining treatments as few patients asked for further discussions on life sustaining treatment issues and such discussions rarely occurred without feedback.

BMC Palliative Care

Of the 16 individuals who did not have discussions about life sustaining treatment issues at the time of initial interview only 2 requested further discussions as a point for feedback.

BMC Palliative Care

Only three participants reported subsequent discussions about life sustaining treatment at second follow-up.

BMC Palliative Care

Indeed, Kant offers no sustained, focussed discussion of the mind anywhere in his work except the popular Anthropology, which, as we just said, is quite superficial.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a complex topic, framing it as a "sustained discussion" can suggest a thoughtful and comprehensive approach.

Common error

While "sustained discussion" is appropriate in formal writing, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "long talk" or "in-depth chat" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a type of interaction or exchange, emphasizing its prolonged and thorough nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Unknown/unmatched sources

13%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained discussion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a prolonged and thorough conversation or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives like "in-depth conversation" or "long talk" can be used. Understanding the nuances of "sustained discussion" can help writers choose the most appropriate language for their intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing dialogue

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the conversation.

in-depth conversation

Uses more common terms to describe a thorough and detailed exchange.

lengthy exchange

Focuses on the duration of the interaction.

serious conversation

Implies the importance and depth of the talk.

extended deliberation

Replaces "discussion" with "deliberation" emphasizing a careful and lengthy consideration.

continued exchange of ideas

More detailed rephrasing stressing the exchange of ideas.

prolonged debate

Substitutes "discussion" with "debate", highlighting a formal argument with opposing viewpoints.

focused discourse

Uses more formal language to describe a concentrated discussion.

serious consideration

Shifts the focus to the thoughtful nature of the discussion.

thorough analysis

Highlights the detailed examination of a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustained discussion" to describe a prolonged and detailed conversation about a specific topic. For example, "The committee held a "sustained discussion" on the proposed policy changes".

What are some alternatives to "sustained discussion"?

Some alternatives include "in-depth conversation", "prolonged debate", or "ongoing dialogue" depending on the context.

Is "sustained discussion" formal or informal?

"Sustained discussion" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. In casual settings, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

What makes a discussion "sustained"?

A discussion is considered "sustained" when it is prolonged, detailed, and explores a topic thoroughly over an extended period. It implies a commitment to in-depth analysis and exchange of ideas.