a passionate debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passionate debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or argument that is characterized by strong emotions and enthusiasm from the participants. Example: "The panel engaged in a passionate debate about climate change policies, with each side presenting compelling arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although most Americans approved of the raid, a passionate debate broke out about the government's tactics.

The Economist

It is also the improbable subject of a passionate debate among scholars, journalists, and copy editors.

The New Yorker

It's a passionate debate regularly played out in living rooms and workplace kitchens across the country.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a passionate debate about rhododendrons raging in England right now.

The New York Times - Books

The Elian Gonzalez case has become a passionate debate over Fidel Castro and Cuba.

The New York Times

The measure has revived a passionate debate about fertility, Italian-style.

The New York Times

Her appearance immediately reopened a passionate debate on social media about the merits or otherwise of the activist's behaviour.

Independent

In a passionate debate, the two sides squared off over an issue that has long pitted Republicans against Democrats.

The New York Times

Imagine it: a room full of suits in London's austere and business-like Institute of Civil Engineers, engaged in a passionate debate about religion.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We certainly had passionate debates - but there wasn't a particularly passionate debate over this book".

The Guardian - Books

Over at the Senate question time there was a particularly passionate debate, Daniel Hurst reports.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a contentious issue, use "a passionate debate" to accurately reflect the strong feelings and commitment of those involved. This can add depth and perspective to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a passionate debate" when the discussion is only mildly contentious or primarily informational. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine emotional investment and significant disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a passionate debate" is as a noun phrase, where "passionate" modifies the noun "debate", indicating the intensity and emotional investment involved in the discussion. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passionate debate" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe discussions marked by strong emotions and convictions. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for various contexts. Primarily found in news and media, this phrase is used to emphasize the significance of the topic and the engagement of participants. While versatile, it’s important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations with genuine emotional investment. Consider alternatives like "a heated discussion" or "an intense argument" to better suit the specific nuance. Remember to accurately reflect the intensity of the discussion, avoiding overstatement or understatement, and to always cite sources carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heated discussion

Emphasizes the intensity and potential conflict within the debate.

an intense argument

Highlights the strong disagreement and potential emotional involvement.

a vigorous exchange

Focuses on the energetic and active nature of the debate.

a spirited discussion

Suggests enthusiasm and liveliness in the debate.

a lively dispute

Highlights the active and engaging character of the debate

an animated controversy

Emphasizes the vibrant and potentially contentious nature of the debate.

a fervent contention

Underscores the deeply felt beliefs and strong opinions involved.

a zealous disputation

Highlights the strong conviction and argumentative nature of the discussion.

an emphatic disagreement

Focuses on the clarity and forcefulness of the differing opinions.

a fiery exchange of views

Suggests a strong emotional and potentially confrontational aspect of the debate.

FAQs

What does "a passionate debate" mean?

The phrase "a passionate debate" describes a discussion or argument characterized by strong emotions, deep conviction, and significant engagement from the participants. It indicates that the topic is important to those involved, and they hold their positions with considerable zeal.

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

You can use "a passionate debate" to describe many scenarios. For example: "The new policy sparked "a passionate debate" within the community", or "Experts engaged in "a passionate debate" about the ethical implications of the technology".

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

You can use alternatives like "a heated discussion", "an intense argument", or "a vigorous exchange" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a passionate debate" formal or informal?

"A passionate debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing than on the phrase itself.