hold a discussion

Meaning

This formal phrase means to have a conversation, debate, or meeting about a specific topic. It implies a structured, purposeful, and professional dialogue rather than a casual chat.

Examples

• The board will hold a discussion regarding the new budget proposals tomorrow.

  The board will hold a discussion regarding the new budget proposals tomorrow.

• We need to hold a discussion on how to improve team collaboration.

  We need to hold a discussion on how to improve team collaboration.

• They decided to hold a private discussion to resolve the contract dispute.

  They decided to hold a private discussion to resolve the contract dispute.

• The HR department held a discussion with employees about the new remote work policy.

  The HR department held a discussion with employees about the new remote work policy.

• It is important to hold a discussion before making any major structural changes.

  It is important to hold a discussion before making any major structural changes.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We will make a discussion about the project next week.

  ✓ We will hold a discussion about the project next week.

  In English, we do not 'make' discussions. We 'hold', 'have', or 'conduct' discussions.

• ✗ We need to take a discussion about this issue.

  ✓ We need to hold a discussion about this issue.

  The verb 'take' does not collocate with 'discussion'. Use 'hold' or 'have' instead.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The managers plan to ___ regarding the upcoming department merger.

  💡 have a formal conversation

  Show answer

  hold a discussion

• It's best to ___ with the client before finalizing the project scope.

  💡 organize a formal talk

  Show answer

  hold a discussion