the discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"the discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conversation or exchange of ideas between two or more people. For example: "After the discussion, the two sides were finally able to come to an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Join the discussion below.

The New York Times

The discussion certainly hasn't.

The Economist

Abrams led the discussion.

The New Yorker

Join the discussion.

The New York Times - Arts

I appreciate the discussion.

The New York Times

The discussion has intensified.

Independent

The discussion ended inconclusively.

The New York Times

The discussion was secretly recorded.

The New York Times

The discussion was largely theoretical.

The New York Times

Mr. Lahnstein joins the discussion.

The New York Times

-Stephen Join the discussion here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the discussion" when referring to a specific conversation or exchange of ideas that is already known or has been mentioned previously. It provides a clear and concise way to reference the topic.

Common error

Don't use "the discussion" when referring to a hypothetical or general exchange of ideas. Use "discussion" or "a discussion" instead. For example, say "We need to have a discussion about this" rather than "We need to have the discussion about this" if it's a new topic.

Linguistic Context

The discussion primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific instance of exchanging ideas or opinions. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that refers to a specific conversation or exchange of ideas. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, with particularly high occurrence in news and media. When writing, remember to use "the discussion" to point to a dialogue already known to the reader. Alternatives like ""the conversation"" and ""the debate"" can be used depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "the discussion" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the conversation

Replaces "discussion" with a more general term for talking.

the debate

Implies a more formal and structured argument or exchange of views.

the dialogue

Suggests a back-and-forth exchange, often in a more literary or formal context.

the exchange

Highlights the act of giving and receiving information or opinions.

the consultation

Emphasizes seeking advice or opinions from others.

the deliberation

Implies a careful and thorough consideration of different options.

the discourse

Refers to a more formal and extended discussion, often in academic or political contexts.

the negotiation

Suggests a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

the conference

Indicates a formal meeting for discussion.

the talk

A simpler and more informal way to refer to a discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "the discussion" to refer to a specific conversation or exchange of ideas. For example, "The discussion was very productive" or "Let's continue the discussion tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "the discussion"?

Alternatives to "the discussion" include "the conversation", "the debate", or "the dialogue". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the exchange.

Is it correct to say "a discussion" instead of "the discussion"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A discussion" refers to a general instance of discussing something, while "the discussion" refers to a specific discussion that is already known or has been mentioned before. For example, you might say, "We had a discussion about the project" (general) versus "The discussion focused on budget constraints" (specific).

What's the difference between "the discussion" and "the conversation"?

While similar, "the discussion" often implies a more formal or structured exchange of ideas, whereas ""the conversation"" is a more general term for talking. You might use "the discussion" when referring to a business meeting, while ""the conversation"" might be used for a casual chat between friends.