serious discussion — important talk
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A conversation about something important, often needing careful thought or decisions.
Say it like a native
Textbook I would like to engage in a serious discussion with you regarding our future.
Native We need to have a serious talk about where this is going.
In speech natives 'have a serious talk/chat'; 'engage in a serious discussion' is meeting-minutes formal.
Pattern: have a serious discussion (about something) | get into a serious discussion
In use
- We need to have a serious discussion about our plans for next year.daily life
- In my opinion, having a serious discussion with your boss can help solve problems at work.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We did a serious discussion about money.
✓ We had a serious discussion about money.
You HAVE a discussion, not 'do' one.
Common collocations
have a serious discussion about— have, about, need to, frank
Don't confuse it
A 'casual discussion' is about less important topics and is more relaxed.