a highly debated topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a highly debated topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subjects that provoke differing opinions or significant discussion among people. Example: "Climate change remains a highly debated topic among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

However, its exact mechanism of action in relation to migraine remains a highly debated topic [38].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The existence of vascular conservatism has been a highly debated topic (Eames 1931; Puri 1951; Carlquist 1969; Schmid 1972).

Botanical Studies

The impact of short-term benzodiazepine exposure on cognition in middle-aged or older patients is a highly debated topic among anesthesiologists, critical care physicians and public media.

Neuroscience Letters

The theme of the image segmentation is a highly debated topic and remains an open issue because each image has different characteristics even taking the picture with the same device.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Given the relevance that governments nowadays place on subjective well-being (Waldron 2010), and since the impact of immigration and of a diverse society is a highly debated topic (Finney and Simpson 2009), surprisingly little research has been done on the impact of diversity on well-being.

IZA Journal of Migration

Since most governments nowadays recognise the importance of subjective measures of well-being for policy (Waldron 2010), and since the impact of immigration and of a diverse society is a highly debated topic (Finney and Simpson 2009), surprisingly little research has been done on the impact that cultural diversity has on individual subjective well-being.

IZA Journal of Migration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This topic remains a highly debated issue today.

Huffington Post

Introduction End-of-life is a highly debated subject.

Annals of Intensive Care

However, both origin and the place of rice domestication have long being highly debated topics.

Rice

One of the most highly debated topics in America, well, maybe after politics, is which Halloween candy outshines the rest and which ones are bottom of the barrel; it is a topic where everyone has an opinion.

Huffington Post

In Germany during the last year a public debate on child sexual abuse in educational institutions and in many other fields has started and sexual violence among adolescents is one of the highly debated topics.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more specific synonyms when discussing the topic, for example: "controversial subject" instead of topic.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a highly debated topic" as universally contested when there is a broad consensus. Ensure there is genuine disagreement before using this phrase to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a subject as one generating significant discussion and disagreement. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a highly debated topic" is a versatile phrase used to describe subjects marked by significant disagreement and discussion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains, particularly science and news media. While synonyms like "a contentious issue" or "a controversial subject" can offer nuanced alternatives, it's crucial to ensure genuine debate exists before employing this phrase. By providing context and acknowledging different viewpoints, you can effectively introduce "a highly debated topic" while maintaining credibility and fostering informed discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious issue

Focuses on the divisiveness and potential for argument inherent in the subject.

a controversial subject

Highlights the polarizing nature of the topic, often leading to strong opposition.

a widely discussed issue

Emphasizes the extent of the conversation surrounding the topic.

a much-argued point

Implies a history of disagreement and back-and-forth arguments.

a disputed matter

Suggests that the facts or conclusions related to the topic are in question.

a point of contention

Pinpoints the topic as a specific area where disagreement exists.

a subject of ongoing debate

Indicates that the discussion is current and unresolved.

a matter of public debate

Highlights that debate happens among people.

an open question

Emphasizes lack of resolution.

a contested idea

Underscores opposition to certain concepts.

FAQs

What does "a highly debated topic" mean?

It refers to a subject or issue about which there is significant disagreement or controversy, with various people holding different and often conflicting viewpoints.

How can I use "a highly debated topic" in a sentence?

You might say, "The ethics of artificial intelligence is "a highly debated topic" in the tech industry" or "Gun control remains "a highly debated topic" in many countries".

What are some synonyms for "a highly debated topic"?

Alternatives include "a contentious issue", "a controversial subject", or "a widely discussed issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a highly debated topic"?

No, it's important to ensure that there is genuine disagreement and not just a lack of awareness or understanding. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so reserve it for subjects with substantial and ongoing debate.