Do you need to know how to ask someone to discuss a matter with you?
If you’re concerned that “can we discuss this?” isn’t formal enough in your writing, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will teach you how to say “can we discuss this?” in an email. Then, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Is It Professional to Say “Can We Discuss This?”
It is professional to say “can we discuss this?”
It’s not rude, either. Instead, it’s a direct and honest way to let someone know that you’d like to discuss a matter with them.
Generally, it implies that you want to have a discussion or have already started a discussion but run out of time. Then, you can use this to set up another time to discuss something more.
So, check out this email sample to learn more about using it:
Dear Billy,
Can we discuss this further tomorrow?
I’ve run out of time today, but I’d certainly like to help you understand what’s going on.
Yours,
Carl King
Pros
- It’s direct and sincere.
- It’s a professional way to show you’d like to discuss something again.
Cons
- It’s a bit forced.
- It can seem really blunt if you’re not careful with it.
So, “can we discuss this?” works really well in formal writing. There are also plenty of alternatives available, though! Now’s the time to look through them!
Keep reading to learn what to say instead of “can we discuss this?” We’ve gathered a list of some of the best alternatives to help you mix things up.
What to Say Instead of “Can We Discuss This?”
- Could we deliberate on this matter?
- May we confer about this issue?
- Can we have a conversation about this?
- I would like to continue this discussion
- Can we please continue this conversation?
- Can we explore this further?
- I’d like to talk about this in more detail
- Do you mind if we discuss this further?
- Can we schedule a meeting about this?
1. Could We Deliberate on This Matter?
Let’s start with “could we deliberate on this matter?”
This is a direct and honest way to show that you’d like to discuss something.
Using “deliberate” suggests that you’d like to put all your points forward, and you hope the other party will be happy to do the same.
So, it might be worth using this when writing to a client. It shows that you have some things you’d like to go through regarding a project you might be working on for them.
Also, this email example will help you to understand it a bit better:
Dear Mr. Martell,
Could we deliberate on this matter more tomorrow?
I’d certainly like to run a few more issues by you before we begin.
Best wishes,
Jean Grey
2. May We Confer About This Issue?
Next, it’s worth using “may we confer about this issue?” instead of “can we discuss this?”
This is great as a formal synonym, as it shows that you’d like someone’s input on a situation before you continue.
For the most part, this keeps things direct and humble.
It shows you don’t want to rush to any decisions without external input first.
Therefore, you can use this when contacting your employer. It suggests that you’d like to hear from them to see what they say.
Feel free to review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Ms. Mathews,
May we confer about this issue over a call?
I’ve got some more ideas that I’d like to get your opinion on.
Thank you so much,
Michelle Barm
3. Can We Have a Conversation About This?
For a more professional way to say “can we discuss this?” try “can we have a conversation about this?”
It’s formal and direct. So, it’s a good chance for you to get your feelings out and let someone know you need to talk to them.
Try using it when contacting a coworker. It shows that you might have had a minor disagreement and you’d like to sort some things out.
For the most part, they’ll be happy to agree to this. After all, it uses polite and professional language to get your point across.
So, check out this example to learn more:
Dear Adam,
Can we have a conversation about this in more detail soon?
I feel like we covered most of it, but there’s still a lot more to say.
All the best,
Ryan Gooseberry
4. I Would Like to Continue This Discussion
It’s good to write “I would like to continue this discussion?” when bringing a conversation to a close.
It suggests that you haven’t yet got all your points across. So, you can use this to reschedule a discussion for a later date.
It’s worth using something like this when writing to an employee.
They might have approached you about a delicate subject, but you’ve since run out of time to continue talking.
This phrase shows that you’ll be in touch when you’re ready to talk some more.
Here’s an email example to also show you a bit more:
Dear Kenya,
I would like to continue this discussion some other time.
For now, please leave it with me, and I’ll have a few more points to raise next time.
Yours,
Carl Pilkington
5. Can We Please Continue This Conversation?
Another way to say “can we discuss this?” is “can we please continue this conversation?”
It’s a great way to be polite and clear when you’d like someone’s attention.
For the most part, it allows you to get your point across and show you’d like to reschedule a meeting or discussion.
Try using it when writing to your employer. It’s very respectful and suggests that you’d like to take up a little more of their time.
So, you can review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Ms. Monster,
Can we please continue this conversation in our meeting on Friday?
I’d like to get your honest opinion about some of these things.
Yours,
Max Bean
6. Can We Explore This Further?
Also, it’s good to write “can we explore this further?” This is a great way to suggest that you have more to add to a discussion if it suits the other party.
For the most part, this synonym is formal and clear.
It shows that you’d like to “explore” some ideas. Usually, this implies that you’d like to bounce ideas off the other party, and you’re happy for them to do the same to you.
Try using it when brainstorming with a coworker. It could be a good way for you both to get ideas across.
Check out this email sample if you still need help:
Dear Bradley,
Can we explore this further on Monday?
I think you’ll like some of the ideas I have to bring to the table.
All the best,
Jules Tamer
7. I’d Like to Talk About This in More Detail
You may also benefit from writing “I’d like to talk about this in more detail.” It’s a simple way to be respectful and formal when wanting a deeper discussion.
For the most part, you can use it when writing to an employee. It lets them know that you’ve got a few things to discuss with them, and you expect them to be ready.
It keeps things direct and sincere. So, it’s a good way to ensure that an employee can talk further about a specific event or subject.
Feel free to review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Mario,
I’d like to talk about this in more detail if that’s okay.
I’m sure there are a few more things we need to get through.
Best regards,
Dan Kent
8. Do You Mind if We Discuss This Further?
You can write “do you mind if we discuss this further?” instead of “can we discuss this?”
It’s polite and sincere, showing that you’d like to know whether someone is happy to discuss more about something with you.
Using “do you mind” keeps this more respectful than “can we discuss this?” Therefore, you can use it when writing to a client to let them know you have a bit more to say.
You can also review this example to learn more:
Dear Mr. Tidy,
Do you mind if we discuss this further?
I’d like to meet with you over lunch to determine what comes next.
Best wishes,
Davie Proctor
9. Can We Schedule a Meeting About This?
Finally, you can write “can we schedule a meeting about this?”
This is direct and to the point. So, it’s an excellent way to show someone that you need to meet with them to discuss a specific matter.
Also, since you’re referring to something specific, the other party will know exactly what the meeting will entail.
Therefore, you can use it when writing to a recruiter. It shows that you’re interested in hearing more about a potential job opportunity.
So, you can review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Ms. Jett,
Can we schedule a meeting about this?
I’m so keen to learn more about this offer.
Thank you so much,
Jean Wilko