Picture this: You’re in the middle of a heated debate with a friend about the latest movie. You bring up points you’ve both agreed on previously, hoping to strengthen your argument. “As discussed,” you begin, but then you pause. Is that even the right way to say it? Sure, we use phrases like these all the time in emails, meetings, and casual conversations. But when was the last time you stopped to think if it’s grammatically correct?
In English, every word and phrase carries weight, especially in professional settings. Misusing a term can lead to misunderstandings or even make us look less knowledgeable. So, before you type out “as discussed” in your next email or use it to win an argument, wouldn’t you want to be sure it’s proper English? The answer might surprise you.
Yes, saying “as discussed” is correct. This phrase is often used in emails and meetings to refer back to previous conversations or points that were talked about. It’s a concise way to remind or inform others about agreed-upon topics or decisions. However, it’s important to use it in the right context. When you say “as discussed,” make sure the person you’re communicating with was part of the original conversation. This ensures clarity and prevents any confusion about what was discussed.
In professional settings, using “as discussed” can help keep communications clear and focused, making sure everyone understands the reference to past discussions.
Understanding “As Discussed” in Communication
Effective communication is crucial for conveying your ideas clearly, whether in a verbal conversation or written documentation. A commonly used phrase that serves this purpose is “as discussed”, which refers to prior discussions or agreements in both spoken and written forms. By understanding the implications of this phrase, you can enhance the clarity and cohesion within your conversations while also improving your professional correspondence.
Used in various contexts, “as discussed” is an invaluable tool that encapsulates a reminder of a prior agreement or topic. Regarded as polite and formal, it is applicable in academic and professional settings alike. In written text, such as books or articles, “as discussed” guides the reader back to previous sections for related information by providing an easy-to-follow reference point.
This phrase is particularly useful for reminding a colleague or partner of an agreed-upon deadline or detail in a tactful, direct manner. Integrating “as discussed” in email phrases and conversation reminders can prove invaluable in maintaining clear communication while simultaneously reinforcing prior discussions or agreements.
As discussed during our last meeting, the project deadline has been set for the 15th of next month.
As you can see, the above example demonstrates the proper use of “as discussed” to remind the reader of a previously established deadline. In this context, the phrase effectively communicates the essential details while remaining polite and unobtrusive.
- Use “as discussed” to provide a clear reference to prior discussions or agreements.
- Employ the phrase in both spoken and written communications.
- Remember that “as discussed” is considered polite and formal, making it suitable for academic and professional settings.
By mastering the use of “as discussed” in your day-to-day communications, you can improve the overall effectiveness of your interactions with others, ensuring all parties remain on the same page regarding prior discussions and agreements. This simple yet powerful phrase creates a strong foundation for clear, concise, and effective communication across various professional and academic environments.
Grammar Behind “As Discussed”: Subordinating Conjunctions and Past Participle
The grammatical structure of “as discussed” is an excellent example of how subordinating conjunctions and past participle usage work together to create effective sentence construction. Let’s examine how this phrase operates within a sentence and how its various components contribute to clear communication.
In the sentence, “As discussed, the new deadline is next Friday,” the phrase “as discussed” functions as an adverbial element, referencing an earlier conversation or agreement about the deadline.
“As” is a subordinating conjunction, which means it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause in a sentence. In this case, “as” joins “discussed” to the main clause about the deadline. “Discussed” is the past participle form of the verb “to discuss,” which conveys the idea that a discussion already occurred.
It’s important to note that “as discussed” usually implies that the subject, typically “we,” is understood and need not be explicitly stated. This assumption allows the phrase to function efficiently within various sentence constructions. For instance:
- As discussed, the marketing strategy will target a new demographic.
- The project is now complete, as discussed.
- New employee training, as discussed, has been scheduled for next week.
As such, “as discussed” can appear at the beginning of a sentence, within the sentence, or at the end, depending on the desired level of emphasis or connection to past dialogues.
Ultimately, the grammatical rules behind subordinating conjunctions and past participle usage are essential to the proper function of “as discussed.” By applying these components correctly, the phrase ensures that actions, agreements, or understandings can be explicitly linked back to prior discussions, fostering clarity and minimizing confusion or miscommunication.
Appropriate Contexts for Using “As Discussed”
In various communication settings, understanding when to use “as discussed” can help enhance your message and ensure appropriate tone. The phrase’s formal nature makes it a suitable choice for professional and academic contexts, while informal settings may require a more conversational approach.
The Formality of “As Discussed” in Professional Settings
“As discussed” is widely recognized as a formal phrase in professional settings. It can be effectively used in work emails, formal reports, budget proposals, and contract negotiations. The formality associated with “as discussed” demonstrates seriousness and conciseness that is conducive to business environments, often helping to address matters swiftly and directly.
“As Discussed” in Academic Writing
In academic writing, “as discussed” also holds formal acceptance. Scholars and researchers use this term to connect sections of a paper, effectively guiding readers through a logical progression and thought coherence. By referencing earlier content, it ensures readers have a clear understanding of the academic discourse being presented.
When to Opt for Informality over “As Discussed”
While its formality is advantageous in professional and academic circumstances, “as discussed” can sometimes come across as rigid and abrupt in informal communication. In non-formal settings, consider employing a less formal tone or phrase to maintain a friendly and approachable manner. Examples of such alternatives might include:
- “As we talked about earlier…”
- “Like we mentioned before…”
- “Going back to our conversation…”
These alternatives help retain an interpersonal dialogue feel and contribute to a conversational tone that encourages open communication.
Alternatives to “As Discussed” That Keep the Conversation Flowing
Effective communication strategies involve employing phrase alternatives to maintain conversation flow and create engaging messaging. While “as discussed” is a versatile and versatile phrase, other expressions can be employed to fit various contexts. These alternatives are beneficial in keeping prospects engaged in B2B sales or when emphasizing trustworthiness and accountability in professional exchanges.
Consider using these phrase alternatives to connect your ideas and thoughts with prior conversations:
- As expected
- As predicted
- As promised
Each of these phrases offers a slight variation in meaning while retaining the grammatical structure of “as discussed.” They help provide a level of coherence and connection in different situations.
Additionally, you can employ other alternative phrases to maintain a conversational flow:
- As per your request/instruction
- In line with what we discussed
- Referring back to our conversation
- Building upon our previous discussion
As emphasized here, the choice of phrase alternatives directly affects the effectiveness of your messaging. Adapt your language according to the situation at hand to maintain conversation flow and interest.
It’s essential to identify the appropriate alternative for the intended message and context to keep your conversations engaging and effective. By considering the tone, setting, and purpose of your communication, you can easily find a suitable phrase alternative and ensure a smooth dialogue flow.
Common Misuses of “As Discussed” and How to Avoid Them
Misuses of “as discussed” can lead to confusion and hinder effective communication. Some common errors in usage stem from confusing the phrase with those predicting future discussions, rather than referring back to past conversations. To avoid these pitfalls, consider the following recommendations and ensure clear and direct communication.
First, be cautious not to use “as discussed” in conjunction with phrases like “it is” or “it will be.” These combinations signal future sections of text and imply justification, rather than reference. By ensuring the proper use of “as discussed,” you can minimize misunderstandings and convey a clear connection to prior discourse.
Another practice to adopt is constantly clarifying your intent when using the phrase. This can help in avoiding miscommunication and keeping your conversations on track. Specific, detailed references to past conversations may be necessary to ensure the listener or reader has a complete understanding of the context. In other words, refrain from using “as discussed” too casually or loosely.
In conclusion, being mindful of these common errors when using “as discussed” can greatly improve your communication practices. By adhering to these guidelines, you can demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly, directly, and effectively in various professional settings.
