to discuss something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to discuss something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of talking about a particular topic or issue in a conversation or written format. Example: "We need to discuss something important during our meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you want to discuss something that is not directly related to class discussion, wait until before or after class.

WikiHow

She wanted to travel 150 miles to discuss something.

The Guardian

It's not necessary with your friends to discuss something you know you will disagree profoundly on.

Independent

When Ms. Lengsfeld and her husband wanted to discuss something private, they took a walk.

The New York Times

He seemed ready to discuss something, anything, other than his old scandal.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, he says "Yes, and... " — an improv principle that allows people to discuss something without disagreeing.

The New York Times

And Aristotle goes on then to discuss something that we'll talk about in about five weeks.

Yale University

Post your own rumours below or hijack this article to discuss something completely different.

The Guardian - Sport

SAC executed the trades shortly after Mr. Martoma e-mailed Mr. Cohen and said he needed to discuss something important.

The New York Times

He said he was hoping to discuss something rather delicate with me, something he'd rather not mention over the phone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

All you have to say is, "Can I have a little of your time today to discuss something?".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to discuss something" in a formal context, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We need "to discuss something"" should be followed by a specific topic, such as "We need "to discuss something": the budget for next quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "to discuss something" without specifying what that something is, particularly in formal communications. This can leave the audience confused or feeling like you're being evasive. Always clarify the topic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to discuss something" is to serve as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verbal to introduce the purpose or topic of a conversation or meeting. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates an intention to engage in dialogue about a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to discuss something" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that functions as an infinitive to introduce a topic for conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and business settings. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clarity regarding the subject matter to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication. Consider alternatives like "to talk about something" or "to address a topic" for nuanced expression. Finally, the frequency analysis reveals that while generally considered neutral, its use remains robust across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to talk about something

Replaces "discuss" with the more general term "talk", making it a slightly less formal alternative.

to address a topic

Substitutes "discuss" with "address", indicating a more direct approach to the subject matter.

to converse about something

Uses "converse" instead of "discuss", suggesting a more formal and reciprocal exchange of ideas.

to deliberate on a matter

Replaces "discuss" with "deliberate", implying a careful and thorough consideration of the subject.

to exchange views on something

Focuses on the exchange of perspectives rather than the act of discussing itself.

to have a conversation about something

Expands the phrase to include "have a conversation", emphasizing the interactive nature of the exchange.

to touch on a subject

Indicates a brief or superficial discussion, rather than an in-depth analysis.

to consider an issue

Shifts the focus to the act of thinking about and evaluating the topic at hand.

to negotiate a point

Suggests a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement or compromise.

to review a situation

Implies a systematic examination and assessment of the topic, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "to discuss something" in a sentence?

The phrase "to discuss something" is typically used to introduce a topic that will be talked about. For example, "I need "to discuss something" with you privately" or "The committee met "to discuss something" related to the new policy."

What can I say instead of "to discuss something"?

You can use alternatives like "to talk about something", "to address a topic", or "to converse about something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to discuss something" or "discuss something"?

The phrase "to discuss something" is an infinitive phrase that includes the word 'to', where as 'discuss something' can be used as an imperative or part of a clause. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to discuss something"?

The phrase "to discuss something" is appropriate when you want to introduce or indicate a topic that needs to be addressed in a conversation or meeting. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from formal business settings to informal personal conversations.