a heated debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heated debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or conversation that involves strong opposing opinions and emotions. For example, "The discussion between the two political rivals devolved into a heated debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a heated debate.

The New York Times

A heated debate ensued.

The New York Times

You have a heated debate.

Harvard Business Review

This should start a heated debate".

The Guardian

A heated debate among historians, politicians and journalists followed.

The Economist

The European Commission is in for a heated debate.

The Economist

For national security policymakers, this is a heated debate.

The Washington Post

After a heated debate, he had nixed the idea.

Harvard Business Review

Now a heated debate has arisen around these two views.

Harvard Business Review

The charging proposal immediately prompted a heated debate amongst doctors.

The Guardian

There is sure to be a heated debate after this.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heated debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the debate and the parties involved for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a heated debate" when the discussion is merely a friendly disagreement or a simple exchange of ideas. This phrase implies a significant level of tension and strong opposition.

Linguistic Context

"A heated debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and grammatically correct to describe an intense disagreement. For instance, "The new policy proposal caused a heated debate among the board members."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heated debate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a discussion marked by strong disagreement and passionate opinions. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the intensity of the discussion. Consider alternatives like "a vigorous debate" or "an intense discussion" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase when the discussion is not genuinely contentious. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fierce debate

Emphasizes the intensity and competitiveness of the debate.

a vigorous debate

Highlights the energy and active participation in the debate.

a lively debate

Focuses on the spirited and engaging nature of the debate.

a strong debate

Indicates the forcefulness and conviction of the arguments.

a spirited debate

Highlights the enthusiasm and passion involved in the debate.

a passionate debate

Emphasizes the deep emotional investment in the debate's topic.

an intense discussion

Shifts the focus from a formal debate to a more general, but equally fervent, exchange.

a contentious argument

Highlights the disagreement and potential conflict inherent in the debate.

a controversial discussion

Focuses on the polarizing nature of the topic being debated.

a sharp disagreement

Emphasizes the distinct and contrasting viewpoints in the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heated debate" to describe any situation where strong, opposing opinions are being expressed, such as: "The issue of climate change sparked "a heated debate" among the scientists".

What are some alternatives to "a heated debate"?

Alternatives include "a vigorous debate", "a fierce debate", or "an intense discussion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a heated debate" formal or informal?

"A heated debate" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the intensity of the discussion it describes than the setting.

What makes a debate "heated"?

A debate becomes "heated" when strong emotions, deeply held beliefs, and significant disagreements are involved. This can lead to a tense and passionate exchange between participants.