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Preposition before noun

Discussion with prepositions

For discussion is a common expression meaning suitable or intended for discussion. Of discussion is rare and usually part of a longer structure.

Quick answer

Should I use of discussion or for discussion?

Use for discussion when something is intended to be discussed. Of discussion is uncommon as a direct combination and usually appears in phrases like topic of discussion.

The proposal is for discussion tomorrow.
Money became the main topic of discussion.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
for discussion

Showing purpose or agenda

Use for discussion when a subject is to be discussed.

The draft is for discussion at the meeting.
2
topic of discussion

Naming what people discuss

Of can appear after another noun before discussion.

Climate policy was a topic of discussion.
3
under discussion

Showing active consideration

This fixed phrase means currently being discussed.

The plan is under discussion.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
for discussion
The report is for discussion next week.
intended to be discussed
of discussion
The topic of discussion changed quickly.
used after another noun, not usually directly after discussion
discussion about
We had a discussion about taxes.
standard way to introduce a topic
discussion on
There was a discussion on safety rules.
formal alternative to about

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of discussion directly

English usually needs another noun before of discussion.

✕ The issue is of discussion. ✓ The issue is for discussion.

Confusing for discussion with discussion about

For discussion shows purpose, while about introduces the topic.

✕ a discussion for taxes ✓ a discussion about taxes

Leaving out an article

Discussion often needs a determiner in countable uses.

✕ We had discussion about costs. ✓ We had a discussion about costs.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The proposal is ___ discussion at tomorrow's meeting.
2. Budget cuts became the main topic ___ discussion.
3. The policy is still ___ discussion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is for discussion a fixed phrase?

Yes. It commonly means ready or intended for discussion.

Can I say of discussion?

Usually only after another noun, such as point of discussion or topic of discussion.

What is another common preposition with discussion?

About and on are both common for introducing the subject.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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