a significant debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or meaningful discussion on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The recent policy changes have sparked a significant debate among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

No-one wants a significant debate about big issues.

The Guardian

So while we have this debate on granting military authority to the president, which is going to be a significant debate in this body, and hopefully we'll look at all of the issues, and I think we will.

The New York Times

And there would be a significant debate over whether the shares should go to all voters, which would be complicated to manage because the electoral roll is notoriously out of date and inaccurate, or only to taxpayers.Despite these challenges, the Centre for Policy Studies plan is worth considering.

The Economist

A significant debate on these matters took shape in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s at the time of widespread civil disobedience relating to civil rights and the Vietnam War: see for example Konvitz 1964, Woozley 1972.

SEP

One form might claim that the idea of a significant debate is generated by unsupported or unsupportable philosophical theses about the relationship of the experiencing and minded subject to their world, and that once these theses are exorcised the 'debate' will gradually wither away.

SEP

Heck, there is even some debate over when the accident occurred (it's not a significant debate, though, basically just a matter of whether it happened in December 1976 or January 1977. I think January 1977 is correct).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It is a matter on which the main parties are currently divided and which may well become a significant debating point at the forthcoming general election.

Independent

Whatever happens, Mr. McCain has opened a historically significant debate among Republicans over the fundamental purpose and direction of their party.

The New York Times

Whether that has had a subsequent effect on their play-off performances has been a source of significant debate, and the lack of a Grand Final appearance remains a glaring omission.

The Guardian - Sport

The clinical relevance of steroid inhibition with etomidate, in the context of a single induction dose, has been a matter of significant debate.

Critical Care

As a result, the validity of stenting for ICAD has become a subject of significant debate [ 11, 12].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant debate" to introduce a discussion that has a notable impact or involves important issues. This sets the stage for the discussion to be perceived as more than just a simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant debate" when the discussion is trivial or has limited impact. Ensure the debate genuinely warrants the label of 'significant' to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant debate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it's appropriate for formal and neutral registers, frequently appearing in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. It serves to highlight the importance and impact of a discussion. When using the phrase, ensure the debate genuinely warrants the label of 'significant' to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "an important discussion" or "a major controversy" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important discussion

Focuses more on the act of discussing rather than the intensity or impact of the debate.

a major controversy

Highlights the contentious nature of the issue, implying widespread disagreement.

a substantial disagreement

Emphasizes the size or extent of the disagreement, rather than the debate itself.

a considerable argument

Suggests a more adversarial exchange of ideas.

a noteworthy dispute

Highlights the importance or newsworthiness of the disagreement.

a crucial deliberation

Implies a more careful and thoughtful consideration of the issue.

an influential discourse

Focuses on the impact and reach of the discussion.

a prominent contention

Highlights the visibility and importance of the point of disagreement.

a meaningful exchange of views

Emphasizes the value and purpose of sharing different opinions.

a serious point of contention

Highlights the gravity of the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant debate" to introduce an important discussion, as in "There is "significant debate" about the new policy.".

What are some alternatives to "a significant debate"?

Alternatives include "an important discussion", "a major controversy", or "a substantial disagreement", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. See other alternatives above in "related phrases".

Is it appropriate to use "a significant debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "a significant debate" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often used in academic, news, and professional contexts to describe noteworthy discussions.

What distinguishes "a significant debate" from a regular debate?

"A significant debate" implies that the discussion has a considerable impact, involves important issues, or has far-reaching consequences, whereas a regular debate may be less impactful or focused on minor topics.