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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 • 7371 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.
  • Mr President, yesterday, we had a discussion on the budget.
  • Last night in Parliament we had a discussion with Commissioner Oreja on comitology, the proposal coming from the Commission.
  • Let us be clear, at that meeting, where the groups concerned were represented, we had a discussion about whether these two paragraphs on Kosovo and the Middle East would be acceptable.
  • In particular, with regard to things like audiovisual, we had a discussion today in Parliament on the Randzio-Plath report on transparency and financial dealings between undertakings and state aid.
  • Within the Commission we had a discussion a week or so ago on the situation in some of the outermost regions in the context of migration and the difficult situations experienced.
  • No, we had a discussion, sir.
  • Yesterday we had a discussion with representatives of the High Commissioner for former Yugoslavia and it seems that, regarding the spending of the money, there are serious problems, particularly with regard to the development of land for housing.
  • In this context, we had a discussion on how to address key partners in the world introduced by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative Cathy Ashton, whose pertinent analysis was well received.
  • At the beginning of the topical and urgent debate, we had a discussion on the application of Rule 146 of the Rules of Procedure, that is to say adjournment of a debate.
  • As I said, we had a discussion about our security system in the Bureau on Monday and the Secretary-General is currently preparing a report on how it might be.
  • We had a discussion in Parliament last year on appropriate responses to the bioterrorism issue, such as stockpiling vaccines against smallpox.
  • We had a discussion, which I came to the hospital to finish.
  • We had a discussion about the error of his ways, if you catch my drift.
  • We had a discussion on the same day about the crisis in Greece and some other points.
  • We had a discussion on this subject in the Commission meeting today particularly as regards the link to the habitats and the birds directives.
  • We took the trouble to go into the details of finalisation of the various horizontal agendas, in order to ensure we had a discussion basis for the Luxembourg summit.
  • 'So we had a discussion about how the time could be used productively.'

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

held a meeting vs a meeting was held a training was held vs a training was given was a pleasure meeting you vs was pleasure meeting you was talking vs talked a question raised vs a question was raised

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