there was a discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a discussion or conversation took place on a particular topic. Example: "During the conference, there was a discourse on the impact of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was, he said, "a discourse here that gave a lot of importance to the U.N., and there was a discourse in the papers based on statements from nonidentified authorities in Washington who indicated that the U.N. was just a formal and somewhat cumbersome procedure that had to be followed, but that wouldn't change the fact and the direction of American decisions".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There is a discourse of hate, and a climate that favors this discourse".

The New Yorker

There is a discourse that black people engender: that black is beautiful.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. Oh said "King and the Clown" was a "positive step" because "there is a discourse now that did not exist before".

The New York Times

There is a discourse and all that is important, but imagination is the game changer.

Vice

"I think there's a discourse between who's using the road and why they're using it.

Vice

Instead there was a worthy discourse on the effect of weather (cold in March and April versus last year's hot Easter) on recent weeks' weak sales followed by a confession that the real problem may just be that consumers are spending less.

The Guardian - Business

Instead there was a worthy discourse on the effect of weather on recent weak sales - cold in March and April versus last year's hot Easter - followed by a confession that the real problem may just be that consumers are spending less.

The Guardian - Business

Likewise, in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, there was a strong discourse around allowing parents to 'choose' between private and nonprofit childcare within the interview sample.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Twenty-five yeago ago, Michelle Fine (1988) used an ethnographic study of young people in New York High Schools to argue that there was a 'missing discourse of desire' in the US public education system.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

There was an associated discourse about women's need to care for others; for example, girlfriends and wives were described as having been discovered smuggling marijuana into prisons for their incarcerated partners.

Critical Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a discourse" when you want to indicate a formal or structured discussion on a particular topic. It implies a level of depth and engagement beyond a simple conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "there was a discourse" in casual settings where a simple "there was a conversation" would be more appropriate. "Discourse" often suggests a more academic or professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a discourse" functions as an assertion of the existence of a discussion or conversation. It often implies a formal or structured exchange of ideas, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was a discourse" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate the occurrence of a discussion. Ludwig provides examples from various reliable sources, indicating its acceptability in formal and neutral contexts. While "discourse" might sound too formal in casual conversation, the phrase is appropriate when referring to structured or significant exchanges of ideas. Related phrases like "a discussion took place" offer simpler alternatives. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase serves to inform and emphasize the presence of a deliberate conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discussion took place

Replaces "discourse" with the more common term "discussion" and uses a different verb construction.

a conversation ensued

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the conversation, suggesting it followed from something else.

a debate unfolded

Suggests a more formal and structured discussion, implying opposing viewpoints.

dialogue occurred

Uses a more formal synonym for "conversation", implying a two-way exchange.

an exchange of ideas happened

Focuses on the sharing of thoughts and perspectives.

a deliberation transpired

Implies a careful and considered discussion, often in a formal setting.

a consultation was held

Suggests seeking advice or expertise through discussion.

a symposium convened

Implies a formal gathering for in-depth discussion on a specific topic.

talks transpired

Suggests formal negotiations or discussions, often between parties with differing interests.

a colloquy developed

Uses a less common, more academic term for a conversation or conference.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a discourse" in a sentence?

You can use "there was a discourse" to indicate that a discussion or conversation took place on a particular topic. For example, "There was a discourse on the impact of climate change at the conference."

What's a simpler way to say "there was a discourse"?

Alternatives include "a discussion took place" or "a conversation ensued", which are less formal.

Is it appropriate to use "there was a discourse" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "there was a discourse" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "there was a talk" or "we had a chat".

What's the difference between "there was a discourse" and "there was a debate"?

"There was a discourse" implies a general discussion, while "there was a debate" suggests a more structured argument with opposing viewpoints. A "debate unfolded" implies more disagreement.