a considerable debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or substantial discussion on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The proposal sparked a considerable debate among the committee members regarding its potential impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

There is a considerable debate on the effects of environmental regulation on competitive performance.

Journal of Environmental Management

Once a sizable amount of research had become available, there was a considerable debate about whether rulers are guided by citizen preferences, expressed through interest groups and elections, or whether elites pursue their own goals and manipulate public opinion to achieve their ends.

Britannica

Since the theory was a product of a rather early and unsophisticated stage of theorizing about religion, it was not adapted particularly well to deal with other cultures hence a considerable debate in modern China on the status of Chinese religion in the light of Marxism, some holding that Marx's critique did not, for example, fit Buddhism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"And there is a considerable debate going on in the economics profession about how effective this stimulus package is.

Huffington Post

These references have sparked a considerable debate as to their interpretation: thus the numbers given for the entire Imperial Fleet in 949 can be interpreted as either 100, 150 or 250 ships, depending on the reading of the Greek text.

Wikipedia

There is a considerable debate on whether the Russian annexation of Crimea was a planned operation dating back up to 20 years or a knee-jerk reaction to Yanukovych's fall.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The long-term impact of a warming climate on tropical cyclones had been a topic of considerable debate for a few years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How to approach this issue has been a matter of considerable debate in an administration that has long been riven ideologically on the issue of the United Nations.

The New York Times

It is still a matter of considerable debate whether this flame transforms into a supersonic detonation from a subsonic deflagration.

Wikipedia

The extent to which welfare programs do generate behavioral change is, of course, a subject of considerable debate amongst scholars of social policy (for a helpful review of the debate, see Deacon 2002: chapters 2 5).

SEP

"It is still a matter of considerable debate". In fact, the FDA will hold a public hearing in Washington today on the issue.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a considerable debate" to introduce a topic with diverse viewpoints and ongoing discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable debate" when the discussion is minor or has limited impact. Ensure the debate is truly substantial before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable debate" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the existence of a significant discussion or controversy, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a considerable debate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant discussion or disagreement. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for formal communication. While alternatives like "a substantial argument" or "a significant controversy" offer similar meanings, choosing the right phrase depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Remember to reserve this phrase for discussions of genuine importance to avoid overstating the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant controversy

Emphasizes the disagreement aspect of the debate, highlighting opposing viewpoints.

a substantial argument

Replaces "debate" with "argument", suggesting a more contentious discussion.

a remarkable controversy

Similar to "a significant controversy", but with stronger emphasis on the unusual nature of the debate.

a major disagreement

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of a large disagreement.

a heated argument

Indicates a debate filled with strong emotions and possibly anger.

a protracted dispute

Highlights the length and drawn-out nature of the debate.

an extensive discussion

Focuses on the thoroughness of the discussion, rather than the conflict.

a wide-ranging discussion

Stresses the breadth and scope of the discussion, covering many aspects.

a lively exchange of views

Suggests an energetic and engaging debate with different perspectives.

a noteworthy contention

Emphasizes that the debate is worthy of attention or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable debate" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable debate" to introduce a significant discussion or disagreement about a particular topic. For example, "There is "a considerable debate" about the effects of social media on teenagers."

What are some alternatives to "a considerable debate"?

Alternatives include "a substantial argument", "a significant controversy", or "a major disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a considerable debate" or "a significant debate"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "A considerable debate" might suggest a longer or more in-depth discussion, while "a significant debate" emphasizes the importance of the issue being debated.

What makes a debate "considerable"?

A debate is "considerable" when it involves a substantial number of people, a wide range of viewpoints, and potentially significant consequences. It implies that the discussion is not trivial or easily resolved.