there was discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

'there was discussion' is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "There was a lengthy discussion about the company's policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prior to Nixon's announcement there was discussion of what form such a shuttle might take.

The Guardian

In an interview writer had with George Wallace there was discussion about how Carter had usurped Wallace's position.

The New Yorker

In classical times there was discussion of the damage to clothes by moths, and of potential solutions to this nuisance.

Heritage Science

In all groups there was discussion around acceptable and unacceptable types of research.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

There was discussion but no real action.

Stanford University

There was discussion of another meeting.

The Washington Post

Again there was discussion of abandoning the target.

The Guardian

There was discussion between her and, presumably, the Home Office.

The Guardian

There was discussion about a flier advertising the group.

The New York Times

There was discussion of missiles that could carry chemical weapons.

The New York Times

In the 1990s there was discussion surrounding Goofy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context, "there was discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "there was discussion" without a clear reference to the subject under discussion. Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to. For example, instead of "There was discussion, but nothing happened", specify: "There was discussion about the budget, but no agreement was reached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was discussion" functions as an introductory phrase to indicate that a particular topic or issue was the subject of conversation or deliberation. It sets the stage for further details or outcomes, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was discussion" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to indicate that a conversation or exchange of ideas occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure clear pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was debated" or "the matter was considered" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was debated

Emphasizes the element of argument or differing viewpoints.

the matter was considered

Implies a more formal and thoughtful evaluation.

the topic was addressed

Suggests that the subject was formally brought up and dealt with.

the issue was examined

Implies a detailed investigation of a particular problem.

they talked about it

More informal and general way to express the idea of discussion.

it came under consideration

Highlights the process of something being examined.

a conversation took place

Focuses on the occurrence of an exchange between people.

ideas were exchanged

Highlights the reciprocal sharing of thoughts and perspectives.

the subject was broached

Indicates the initial raising of a topic for discussion.

it was under advisement

Signifies that something is being actively reviewed before a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "there was discussion" to introduce a topic that was debated or considered. For example, "There was discussion about the new policy at the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "there was discussion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was debated", "the matter was considered", or "they talked about it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "there was discussion" formal or informal?

"There was discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various types of writing and conversation.

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

"There was discussion" implies a general exchange of ideas, while "there was a debate" suggests a more structured and potentially contentious exchange with opposing viewpoints.