What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dialog
Example
The movie had a lot of dialog between the main characters. [dialog: noun]
Example
We need to have a dialog about the best way to approach this problem. [dialog: verb]
discussion
Example
We had a discussion about the pros and cons of remote work. [discussion: noun]
Example
Let's discuss the best way to move forward with this project. [discuss: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Discussion is more commonly used than dialog in everyday language. Discussion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dialog is less common and often associated with formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dialog and discussion?
Dialog is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while discussion can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile.