Grammar fix
serious discussion
important talk
A conversation about something important, often needing careful thought or decisions.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We need to have a serious discussion about our plans for next year.
In my opinion, having a serious discussion with your boss can help solve problems at work.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We did a serious discussion about money.
Say: We had a serious discussion about money.
You HAVE a discussion, not 'do' one.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
In speech natives 'have a serious talk/chat'; 'engage in a serious discussion' is meeting-minutes formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
have a serious discussion about
- have
- about
- need to
- frank