before discussion vs before the discussion

Both "before discussion" and "before the discussion" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Before discussion" is a more general reference to any discussion, while "before the discussion" refers to a specific discussion that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 27, 2025 • 5031 views

This phrase is correct and can be used in a general context to refer to any discussion.

"before discussion"

This phrase is used to indicate that something happens prior to any discussion taking place.

Examples:

Let's consider the options before discussion begins.
Please make your points before discussion starts.

Show examples from the web [+]

Any motion not on the agenda requires a second second before discussion.
I am nonetheless very grateful to Mr Färm for giving us this opportunity to consider our overall approach to the 2003 Budget year long before discussions on individual Budget lines take place.
It is somewhat premature to give details because if one starts going into detail now before discussions with the stakeholders, it could be somewhat alarmist, as always happens in fisheries.
This prevents old articles in a long thread from vanishing before the discussion has ended.
These basic standards must be met before a discussion on status can begin.
Budgetary implications are considered during the discussion process before adopting the Directive.
I thought you might want to be aware of this before the discussion and prize-giving ceremony tomorrow.
Obviously, it will be necessary to await the conclusions of this work before starting discussions on any possible measures.
I think that it erodes democracy if we reach an agreement even before the discussion in plenary.
This must occur before the discussions between the Council and Iran result in any form of agreement, of whatever kind it may be.
Jamie, we've had this discussion before.
Let's do open discussion before we wrap up.
We've had this discussion before. I remember giving you this examination.
In reality national parliaments are forced to establish corresponding legislation within two years, so that the essence of the decision to be taken there has already been established before public discussion of its desirability can get under way.
A procedure such as today's, with many important decisions being taken only in September and immediately before the discussions in the Committee on Budgets, is something we cannot accept.
I do not understand all the 'commotion' that the issue has caused, especially in French-speaking Belgium, amongst consumers' associations and mutual societies, supported by certain MEPs who, even before the discussions had started, had already condemned these two laws.
You also know because we've had this discussion before that if he got his way, they would rip that company to shreds.
The defense strenuously objects and requests an 802 conference... so that His Honor might have a chance to hear discussion before ruling.
I went to several of these discussions before I realized I was getting involved in a communist cell, and I dropped out.
What we now expect to see from Turkmenistan - before any further discussion on the PCA is possible - is significant progress on human rights.

Alternatives:

prior to discussion
pre-discussion
preliminary discussion
pre-discussion phase
pre-discussion activities

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a specific discussion that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

"before the discussion"

This phrase is used to indicate that something happens prior to a particular discussion that has been specified.

Examples:

Let's finalize the agenda before the discussion starts.
We need to gather more information before the discussion.

Show examples from the web [+]

I thought you might want to be aware of this before the discussion and prize-giving ceremony tomorrow.
I think that it erodes democracy if we reach an agreement even before the discussion in plenary.
This prevents old articles in a long thread from vanishing before the discussion has ended.

Alternatives:

prior to the discussion
preparing for the discussion
pre-discussion preparation
pre-discussion activities
pre-discussion briefing

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before discussion vs before the discussion

"before discussion"

"before the discussion"

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