TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

we had a discussion vs a discussion was had

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'We had a discussion' is more commonly used in everyday language to indicate that a discussion took place among a group of people. 'A discussion was had' is less common and sounds more formal or literary, emphasizing the occurrence of a discussion without specifying who was involved.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 7411 views

we had a discussion

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language.

This phrase is used to indicate that a discussion took place among a group of people. It is a simple and direct way to convey this information.

Examples:

  • We had a discussion about the project yesterday.
  • They had a discussion about the budget cuts.
  • I think we should have a discussion about our future plans.
  • Let's have a discussion about the best way to proceed.
  • Having a discussion can help us reach a decision.
  • Jan 29, 2024 ... It's about time we had a discussion about Fraudenji. MEME. r ...
  • Jun 25, 2024 ... A few months ago, we had a discussion about Utah's best kept secret. Everybody has heard about Tabula Rasa, and their pens, crane stationary ...
  • Sep 14, 2024 ... We had a discussion on the ugliest skyscraper in New York, so now's the time to discuss the prettiest one! I'll go first, Brooklyn tower.
  • First when we had a discussion on hunger, many laughed it off and others criticized our stand as politics. Now am glad Mr Museveni has realized it is...
  • May 31, 2023 ... Since we had a discussion about most OVERRATED cars...what are the most UNDERRATED cars out there??? as the title says ;). Upvote 547. Downvote
  • Mar 16, 2011 ... We had a discussion about otters and other salt-water mammals. Using the preposition of there feels wrong to me. In a subheading on a paper.
  • Nov 29, 2022 ... “And I remember in one of my classes we had a discussion about it, because we were like 'Oh, we're an all-female school, so what does this ...
  • Jan 12, 2007 ... Is it correct to say 'we had a discussion about something' Can one discuss 'about'? I thought it's 'talk about' or discuss on' a subject.
  • Jun 9, 2020 ... So she texted me and we had a discussion. I imagine her teacher - she lives in San Francisco - has some experience in the industry, and is ...
  • Feb 2, 2018 ... For Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker's Memory on the PlayStation 4, a GameFAQs message board topic titled "It's time we had a discussion, ...

Alternatives:

  • We discussed the matter.
  • We talked about it.
  • We conversed on the topic.
  • We exchanged ideas.
  • We deliberated on the issue.

a discussion was had

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

This phrase is more formal or literary and emphasizes the occurrence of a discussion without specifying who was involved. It can be used to give a more detached or objective tone to the statement.

Examples:

  • A discussion was had on the matter, but no resolution was reached.
  • In the meeting, a discussion was had about the new policy.
  • After much debate, a discussion was had and a decision was made.
  • Throughout history, many discussions were had on this topic.
  • The issue was resolved after a discussion was had among the stakeholders.
  • The discussion was indeed more of a discussion between countries than between political groups.
  • At the end of this meeting a discussion was organised with students from more than a dozen of countries.
  • A second subject of discussion was smoking.
  • Our discussion was the natural complement to concluding the Reform Treaty.
  • And having a discussion about children is important.
  • On more than one occasion, concluding a discussion was delayed due to the pressure brought to bear by some Heads of State and Government, which was considerable pressure, but pointless and, above all, harmful.
  • This discussion has certainly not reached its conclusion, but I should welcome a discussion which includes groups other than the PPE-DE Group.
  • We have had some discussions on higher age limits where they have been more hesitant, but that is a discussion we must take.
  • This discussion was finalised at the last Technical Meeting in December 2003.
  • Refusing all discussion was never a recipe for resolving a conflict.
  • The discussion was not without results either.
  • The discussion was a positive one - there is considerable common ground.
  • And then, that this discussion was drawing geographical boundaries around me.
  • The basis for discussion was a draft Common position text together with the amendments adopted by Parliament.
  • This discussion was continued at the informal meeting of Transport Ministers in La Coruña on 12 February.
  • The outcome of these discussions was presented and discussed in the Communications Committee.
  • Our approach in the matter under discussion was to assess whether or not Community legislation on public contracts had been breached.
  • Sadly, our discussion was curtailed, because Hammond then arrived.
  • Your discussion was such that it would benefit any parliament.
  • Another subject that was addressed in this long discussion was easier access to standards.

Alternatives:

  • A discussion took place.
  • A discussion occurred.
  • There was a discussion.
  • A discussion happened.
  • A discussion ensued.

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!