a long debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a long debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a discussion or argument where multiple parties exchange opinions. For example, "After a long debate, the school board decided to close the campus for the remainder of the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) was described about a decade ago [ 10], and a long debate has raged about its relevance.

Aging

Behind the scenes, the proposed guidelines engendered a long debate.

The New York Times - Health

The brand new consumer protection bureau faces a long debate.

The New York Times

I think there's a long debate," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The coalition said it expected a long debate before Congress agrees to change the law.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr Eichel has now decided how a long debate about the bank's future should be concluded.

The Economist

"We had a long debate, but we've not quite agreed," said Gaarde, speaking to Nordjskye.

Independent

After a long debate, the people of Llupa agreed to share their water.

The New York Times - Magazine

She's already made it clear that nothing will be resolved; at best, there'll a long debate.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I had a long debate with Pierre," Yunus told me, referring to Omidyar.

The New Yorker

Congress is about to engage in a long debate over short-term and long-term fiscal policy.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long debate", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the duration and intensity of the discussion. For instance, use it when the debate involves multiple arguments and counter-arguments over a significant period.

Common error

Avoid using "a long debate" to describe brief or simple disagreements. Ensure the discussion has genuinely been extensive and involved to justify using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a discussion or argument that has taken place over a considerable period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long debate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an extended discussion, often involving multiple viewpoints and lasting for a significant duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, consider the intensity and duration of the discussion to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives such as "an extended discussion" or "a protracted argument" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. It is important to avoid overusing "a long debate" to describe short or simple disagreements. The frequency of this phrase across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended discussion

Focuses on the length of the discussion, similar to "a long debate".

a protracted argument

Emphasizes the argumentative nature and duration.

a lengthy deliberation

Highlights the careful consideration involved in the discussion.

a drawn-out controversy

Implies a disagreement that has lasted for an extended period.

a prolonged dispute

Similar to controversy, but can also indicate a formal disagreement.

a sustained discussion

Highlights the continuous and persistent nature of the discussion.

a continuing argument

Emphasizes that the argument is still ongoing.

an ongoing discussion

Indicates that the discussion is currently in progress.

a never-ending debate

Hyperbolizes the length of the debate, suggesting it may not conclude.

a tiresome discussion

Highlights the exhausting nature of a long discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long debate" to describe a discussion that has taken place over a considerable amount of time with multiple viewpoints being shared. For example, "After "a long debate", the committee finally reached a decision".

What can I say instead of "a long debate"?

You can use alternatives such as "an extended discussion", "a protracted argument", or "a lengthy deliberation depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a long debate" or "a lengthy debate"?

Both "a long debate" and "a lengthy debate" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "a long debate" and "a short debate"?

The primary difference is the duration and depth of the discussion. "A long debate" implies an extensive discussion with multiple points of view, while "a short debate" indicates a brief discussion with less extensive exploration of the issues.