terms of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terms of discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the specific conditions or topics that will be addressed in a conversation or debate. Example: "Before we begin the meeting, let's clarify the terms of discussion to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The terms of discussion are no longer about the murder of innocents in terrorist acts; they are about theology.

The New York Times

Shirer helped put Hitler and the Holocaust back on the table, in terms of discussion by average Americans.

The New York Times - Books

The Bush Administration has refused to allow Kim Jong Il to dictate the terms of discussion, thus obliging his neighbors to take up the slack.

The New Yorker

The main sessions usually have the most grandstanding, canned and scripted inputs and speakers so diverse in experience and concerns that it takes the whole time to come to agreement on the basic terms of discussion.

The Guardian - Tech

She's part of the Black Took Collective with Ronaldo Wilson and Duriel Harris, and I always find what they do, in terms of discussion of race, interesting, true, moving.

The New Yorker

Rather, by looking closely at both, he is repeatedly able to define the relevant terms of discussion, reduce them to first principles, uncover improper assumptions or inferences, and identify hidden contradictions.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He told reporters that Trump "wasn't steeped in the long-running protocols" of what is appropriate in terms of discussions with the F.B.I. director.

The New Yorker

"I can't comment in terms of discussions with private partners but I can say we are entirely happy that we are in the right place," he said.

The Guardian

Let them know some of our team policies and how I operate with players, an open door in terms of discussions and anything we can do to help them out.

The Washington Post

Asked if that process was ongoing, he said: "Not in terms of discussions with clubs or players, but certainly we are looking at players and finding out the information we need to find out about their character, etc, etc".

Independent

All three drivers are shop stewards at the Unite union, so while they are an unscientific sample of a 2,000-strong 2,000-stronghere is a sense that talks workforce will be given a chance atherest, provised the terms of discussions can be ironed out on Monday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When initiating a discussion, clearly define the "terms of discussion" at the outset to ensure all participants understand the scope and objectives. This prevents misunderstandings and keeps the conversation focused.

Common error

Avoid vague "terms of discussion". Be specific about what is and isn't included in the discussion to prevent scope creep and irrelevant tangents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terms of discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in terms of discussion") or as a subject complement. It identifies and defines the conditions, topics, or parameters relevant to a conversation or debate. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terms of discussion" is a commonly used noun phrase that defines the scope and objectives of a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, its clear and precise meaning makes it suitable for a variety of settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the specific parameters to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "discussion parameters" or "topics for discussion" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion parameters

Focuses on the boundaries or limitations within which the discussion will take place.

topics for discussion

Highlights the specific subjects or themes to be addressed during the conversation.

agenda for discussion

Emphasizes a structured plan or list of items to be covered in the discussion.

framework for discussion

Suggests a broader conceptual structure guiding the conversation.

scope of discussion

Defines the breadth or extent of the subject matter to be discussed.

points for discussion

Refers to specific issues or items intended to be talked about.

subject matter for discussion

Emphasizes the content or topics to be examined in the conversation.

talking points

Highlights specific topics to discuss, often in a planned or strategic way.

basis for discussion

Focuses on the underlying reasons or foundation upon which the conversation is built.

guidelines for discussion

Highlights the principles or rules governing how the conversation should proceed.

FAQs

How can I effectively set the "terms of discussion" in a meeting?

Start by clearly outlining the objectives and scope of the meeting, specifying the key topics to be covered and any boundaries or limitations on the discussion. This ensures everyone is aligned and the conversation remains focused.

What are some alternative ways to phrase "terms of discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "discussion parameters", "topics for discussion", or "agenda for discussion" depending on the context.

Why is it important to define the "terms of discussion" before starting a conversation?

Defining the "terms of discussion" ensures that all participants are on the same page regarding the purpose, scope, and objectives of the conversation. This helps to avoid misunderstandings, keep the discussion focused, and achieve the desired outcomes more efficiently.

What happens if the "terms of discussion" are not clearly defined?

If the "terms of discussion" are not clearly defined, the conversation can easily become unfocused, leading to irrelevant tangents, wasted time, and a failure to achieve the desired outcomes. It can also result in misunderstandings and conflicts among participants.