to discuss things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to discuss things' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used anytime when you want to suggest that a conversation or conversation about various topics or issues is taking place or about to take place. For example: "Let's meet tonight to discuss things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bulgaria has called time to discuss things.

The New York Times

David had said that they ought to discuss things.

The New Yorker

'I'm too old to discuss things, Mr Rilke.

The Guardian - Books

She says it will be an opportunity to discuss "things".

The New Yorker

And now people come together to discuss things like shoes not in stores but online.

The New York Times

Our elected representatives don't seem to discuss things with the other side anymore.

The New York Times

"He was inflexible, tough, and didn't like to discuss things too much.

The New Yorker

The counsellor says you could ring to discuss things when or if you want.

The Guardian - Opinion

We British don't always like to discuss things like our parents' background, particularly at work.

The Guardian

"Because then we will have to discuss things and that is how you get depth".

The Guardian - Sport

"I feel able to touch people, to push them to discuss things," Mr. Navas said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to discuss things" when you want to generally indicate a conversation or deliberation is going to occur without specifying the exact topics.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on general phrases like "to discuss things" in professional writing. Be specific about the topics to provide clarity and demonstrate a clear agenda.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to discuss things" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as an adverbial to express the purpose of an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates the intention to have a conversation or deliberation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to discuss things" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate an intention to have a conversation on various topics. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is generally used in neutral to professional contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, be mindful of its vagueness and consider using more specific alternatives when clarity is needed. While the phrase is commonly seen across different contexts, it's advisable to refine your language with more specific phrases to enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Consider that while "to discuss things" is a general way to mention a future conversation about unknown topics, you should always choose alternatives when the subjects are known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to talk about issues

Focuses specifically on addressing problems or concerns.

to address matters

Emphasizes dealing with specific items or subjects.

to consider subjects

Highlights the act of thinking carefully about various topics.

to examine topics

Implies a detailed investigation of different subjects.

to deliberate on subjects

Suggests a formal and thorough discussion.

to negotiate items

Focuses on reaching an agreement regarding specific points.

to consult on affairs

Implies seeking advice or guidance on important issues.

to confer about topics

Suggests a formal meeting to exchange ideas.

to review points

Highlights the process of going over specific details or arguments.

to touch base on subjects

Implies a brief meeting or conversation to update one another.

FAQs

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

You can use "to discuss things" to broadly indicate that a conversation will cover various topics. For example, "Let's schedule a meeting "to discuss things" next week."

What's a more specific alternative to "to discuss things"?

If you want to be more precise, use alternatives that name the subjects you'll be covering, such as "to talk about issues" or "to address matters".

Is "to discuss things" too vague for professional communication?

While grammatically correct, ""to discuss things"" can be vague. In professional contexts, providing more specific details about the discussion topics is often preferable for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "to discuss things"?

It is suitable when you're setting up a general meeting or conversation where the specific topics are either understood or not yet defined. For instance, "We need time "to discuss things" regarding the project."