a serious debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a serious debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a discussion about a topic where both parties take it seriously. For example, "The president called for a serious debate over climate change policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

None of the mainstream political parties wished to engage in a serious debate on these issues.

The New Yorker

A serious debate on the future of the huge mortgage companies needs to take place.

The New York Times

The stakes are so high that we cannot escape a serious debate with no taboos".

Independent

Challenging preconceptions is always good, and this is a serious debate.

The New York Times

There was a serious debate about how to define American goals in Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

"I think the people of the state deserve to have a serious debate by serious people.

The New York Times

The nation needs a serious debate about the future of Fannie and Freddie.

The New York Times

Then, and only then, can a serious debate on the deficit begin.

The New York Times

This is just the beginning of what is becoming a serious debate.

The New York Times

The campaign triggers a serious debate about how much to remember, and how much to forgive.

The Guardian - Film

South Africa is having a serious debate over how to license its doctors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context reflects the gravity and importance of the subject matter to maintain credibility and emphasize the need for thoughtful engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious debate" when describing trivial disagreements or minor discussions. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can make your writing sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a serious debate" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a formal or important discussion, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious debate" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe discussions of considerable importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase signals a need for thoughtful engagement, emphasizing the gravity of the subject matter. Alternatives like "a thorough discussion" or "a critical analysis" offer similar but nuanced meanings. When writing, remember that this phrase is best reserved for topics that genuinely warrant a deep and careful examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough discussion

Replaces "debate" with "discussion", emphasizing the depth and completeness of the conversation.

an in-depth examination

Shifts the focus to a detailed and careful analysis rather than a direct argument.

a critical analysis

Highlights the analytical and evaluative nature of the discussion.

a rigorous discussion

Emphasizes the strict and methodical approach to the conversation.

an earnest discussion

Replaces "serious" with "earnest", conveying a sense of sincerity and genuine intent in the debate.

a meaningful dialogue

Focuses on the exchange of ideas and the potential for mutual understanding.

a substantive conversation

Highlights the significant and important content of the discussion.

a significant deliberation

Replaces "debate" with "deliberation", emphasizing the careful consideration of different viewpoints.

a profound exchange of views

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the ideas being shared.

a thoughtful discourse

Highlights the intellectual and reflective nature of the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious debate" to describe a discussion about important or controversial issues. For instance, "The proposal sparked "a serious debate" among policymakers."

What phrases are similar to "a serious debate"?

Alternatives include "a thorough discussion", "a critical analysis", or "an in-depth examination", each emphasizing different aspects of the discussion.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious debate" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "a serious debate" is best suited for formal or neutral contexts where the topic warrants careful and considered discussion. Informal settings might benefit from less weighty phrases.

What distinguishes "a serious debate" from a simple discussion?

"A serious debate" implies a more profound and consequential discussion, often involving conflicting viewpoints and significant implications. A simple discussion might be more casual and less impactful.