a lengthy debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or argument that takes a considerable amount of time. Example: "The committee engaged in a lengthy debate about the proposed changes to the policy before reaching a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That idea was rejected, however, after a lengthy debate, according to Ministry of Culture officials.

The New York Times

After a lengthy debate, the board agreed to provide a lump sum to Zell each year.

The New Yorker

It now goes to the City Council, where a lengthy debate is expected.

The New York Times

The bill passed the Assembly after a lengthy debate, and the Senate quickly approved it later on Wednesday.

The New York Times

The plea agreement came after a lengthy debate inside the Bush administration over whether to push for the death penalty.

The New York Times

After a lengthy debate on the issue, David left and the rabbi laughed and said, 'That's Applebaum,' " Dr. Hirsch recalled.

The New York Times

His comments came in a lengthy debate which ended in peers rejecting the 42 day plan by 309 to 118.

The Guardian

This book draws upon the case study of Northern Ireland, where, despite a lengthy debate, the question of establishing a formal truth recovery process remains hotly contested.

Stanford University

The disclosures came after a lengthy debate about abuses by both major parties of parliamentary privileges that reimbursed them for the cost of maintaining second homes.

The New York Times

The creation of such an entity would require a change in the European Union treaty, and there would certainly be a lengthy debate.

The New York Times

That's just the beginning of a lengthy debate — things quickly devolve into ad hominem attacks — and you can read the whole discussion here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events involving multiple stakeholders and perspectives, using the phrase 'a lengthy debate' can also set the scene for presenting the various viewpoints and the ultimate resolution or compromise reached.

Common error

Avoid using "a lengthy debate" to simply pad your writing or exaggerate a minor disagreement. Ensure that the length and intensity of the discussion are genuinely significant to the overall narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a discussion or argument characterized by its extended duration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from political discussions to scientific inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy debate" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a discussion or argument of considerable duration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, and is suitable for neutral and formal registers. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of a significant discussion involving complexity and multiple perspectives. Using the phrase appropriately enhances clarity and provides context to the reader about the depth and complexity of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A protracted debate

Emphasizes the extended duration of the debate.

A prolonged discussion

Focuses on the duration of the discussion rather than the argumentative aspect.

An extended deliberation

Highlights the careful and thorough consideration involved in the debate.

A drawn-out argument

Implies a debate that has become tedious or unnecessarily long.

A considerable discussion

Indicates that the discussion was significant and comprehensive.

A sustained dialogue

Suggests continuous and ongoing conversation.

A comprehensive inquiry

Highlights a thorough and complete investigation.

An in-depth examination

Focuses on the thoroughness and detail of the investigation or discussion.

A thorough exploration

Suggests a detailed investigation or discussion of a particular topic.

A time-consuming debate

Emphasizes the amount of time the debate required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lengthy debate" to describe a prolonged discussion on a particular topic. For example: "The proposed policy change was subject to "a lengthy debate" among the committee members."

What are some alternatives to "a lengthy debate"?

Alternatives include "a protracted debate", "a prolonged discussion", or "an extended deliberation", each emphasizing the duration or thoroughness of the discussion.

Is it better to say "long debate" or "a lengthy debate"?

"A lengthy debate" generally implies a more formal or significant discussion than "long debate", although both are grammatically correct and understandable. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What is the difference between "a lengthy debate" and "a brief discussion"?

"A lengthy debate" suggests an extended period of discussion with potentially complex arguments and various viewpoints, whereas "a brief discussion" implies a short, straightforward conversation with limited arguments.