a hotly debated topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hotly debated topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that sparks passionate discussion and disagreement. For example, "Climate change is a hotly debated topic in the world today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

How rich, precisely, remains a hotly debated topic.

The Guardian - Money

Even natural gas, a hotly debated topic among climate experts, helps make the point.

The New York Times

Satoshi Nakamoto's actual identity remains a hotly debated topic among Internet researchers.

The New York Times

The advantages of lists versus randomly calling households is a hotly debated topic.

The Guardian - Opinion

(For political scientists, it is a hotly debated topic. For speechwriters like me, it is a terrifying, existential question).

The New Yorker

Dinosaurian body temperature regulation, or lack thereof, has been a hotly debated topic among students of dinosaur biology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Overall, the topic of publication bias has been a hotly debated subject in recent years.

BMC Health Services Research

Educational funding has remained a hotly debated issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, waiting for hospital treatment was a hotly debated issue in the Netherlands at the time.

Health Economics Review

It is a hotly debated subject.

Huffington Post

He intended to use his gallery as a forum for promoting photography as a fine art a hotly debated topic in those years and mounted his first exhibition, "American Photography Retrospective Exhibition," November 2 20 , 1931 featuring photographs by Alfred Stieglitz, Mathew B. Brady, and Gertrude Käsebier, among others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hotly debated topic", ensure the context clearly indicates the different perspectives or sides involved in the debate to add depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "a hotly debated topic" is accurate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "contentious issue" or "controversial matter" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hotly debated topic" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness, making it a suitable choice for describing contentious subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hotly debated topic" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe subjects that evoke strong opinions and disagreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While very common, varying your language with alternatives like "contentious subject" or "matter of debate" can enhance your writing. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to highlight the different perspectives involved. Overusing the phrase may result in a repetitive, so keep usage in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of debate

Simpler alternative, using "matter of debate" to indicate the topic is being discussed and argued.

a subject of ongoing debate

Highlights the long-term nature of the discussions.

a contentious subject

Replaces "hotly debated" with "contentious", emphasizing the controversial nature of the subject.

a controversial issue

Substitutes "topic" with "issue" and "hotly debated" with "controversial", highlighting the divisiveness of the matter.

a widely discussed issue

Highlights the breadth of the discussion, implying it's prevalent in many circles.

a disputed matter

Uses "disputed" instead of "hotly debated", suggesting that the matter is under argument or challenge.

a subject of much discussion

Focuses on the amount of discussion the topic receives, rather than the intensity of the debate.

a polarising subject

Emphasizes the divisive nature of the subject, indicating it causes strong opposing views.

a point of contention

Rephrases the entire phrase to focus on the disagreement, identifying it as a specific "point of contention".

an open question

Indicates that the topic lacks a definitive answer and remains unresolved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hotly debated topic" to introduce a subject that causes strong disagreements or discussions. For example, "The ethics of artificial intelligence is "a hotly debated topic" among scientists and ethicists."

What can I say instead of "a hotly debated topic"?

You can use alternatives like "a contentious subject", "a controversial issue", or "a matter of debate depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a hotly debated topic" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hotly debated topic" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic and professional contexts. However, ensure it fits the tone and style of your specific piece.

What makes a topic "hotly debated"?

A topic becomes "hotly debated" when it evokes strong opinions and disagreements, often involving ethical, moral, or political considerations. The phrase suggests that there are multiple viewpoints and significant discussion surrounding the subject.