have a discussion

Meaning

To talk about something with another person or group of people in order to exchange ideas, share opinions, or reach a decision. It is a collaborative and neutral expression widely used in academic seminars and meetings.

Examples

• We need to have a discussion about the schedule for our group project.

  We need to have a discussion about the schedule for our group project.

• After the lecture, the students will have a discussion on the reading materials.

  After the lecture, the students will have a discussion on the reading materials.

• Let's have a discussion about how we can improve our research methodology.

  Let's have a discussion about how we can improve our research methodology.

• The committee will have a discussion before voting on the proposal.

  The committee will have a discussion before voting on the proposal.

• I would like to have a discussion with my advisor about my thesis topic.

  I would like to have a discussion with my advisor about my thesis topic.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We had a discussion about to change the topic.

  ✓ We had a discussion about changing the topic.

  The preposition 'about' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form) or a noun phrase, not a to-infinitive.

• ✗ We need to discuss about this issue.

  ✓ We need to have a discussion about this issue.

  While you 'have a discussion about' something, the verb 'discuss' is transitive and does not take the preposition 'about' (e.g., 'we need to discuss this issue').

Related Expressions

Practice

• Our seminar group will ___ on the ethical implications of AI next week.

  💡 To talk over a topic together as a class.

  Show answer

  have a discussion

• I need to ___ with my professor regarding my final grade.

  💡 To sit down and talk about a matter with someone.

  Show answer

  have a discussion