a spirited exchange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spirited exchange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lively and animated discussion or conversation between individuals. Example: "During the meeting, there was a spirited exchange of ideas that led to innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

On Saturday, Manuel had a spirited exchange with Pedro Martínez that underlined his philosophy about managing.

The New York Times - Sports

There must have been a spirited exchange of ideas when they joined forces that evening at dinner.

The New Yorker

On the very first question of the night, and without all that much prompting, Mr. Perry and Mr. Romney began a spirited exchange over Social Security.

The New York Times

While Mr. Rove said that there was "a spirited exchange" on some questions of privacy in the Internet age, the participants said there were no real arguments.

The New York Times

In a question-and-answer session after his remarks, he had a spirited exchange with a Head Start teacher about the financing and monitoring of that program.

The New York Times

In a spirited exchange with Senator John J. Flanagan, a Long Island Republican who is a sponsor of the bill, Senator Liz Krueger, a Democrat of Manhattan, questioned whether the bill violated the separation of church and state.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Late in the period, the Rangers Brandon Prustt and the Devils' Eric Boulton engaged in a lengthy, spirited exchange of right hands.

The New York Times - Sports

There ensues a good and spirited exchange of opinions with the other panellists and with the audience.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had a few spirited exchanges with friends or colleagues from the media industry who suggested that me directly or the Silicon Valley elite more generally were putting forth a morally bankrupt stance in order to financially benefit.

TechCrunch

Indeed, a police official said that what he characterized as "this spirited exchange of letters" resulted in "an expediting of the FISA process — in other words, from the Police Department's view, the desired result".

The New York Times

Marie, a mother suffering from mental illness, has a moment of clarity after a mean-spirited exchange with her son's sexy girlfriend.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spirited exchange" to describe a discussion that is energetic and engaging, but not necessarily hostile. It implies a healthy exchange of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "a spirited exchange" when the discussion is clearly aggressive or disrespectful. Opt for phrases like "heated argument" or "contentious debate" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spirited exchange" functions as a noun phrase, where "spirited" modifies the noun "exchange". It describes a particular type of interaction characterized by energy and enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spirited exchange" is a noun phrase describing a lively and enthusiastic discussion or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying dynamic interaction without necessarily implying conflict. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's important to ensure the tone matches the context, avoiding its use when describing aggressive or disrespectful interactions. Alternatives like "a lively debate" or "an animated discussion" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lively debate

Focuses more on the debate aspect, implying a formal discussion with opposing viewpoints.

an animated discussion

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and energy of the conversation.

a vigorous argument

Highlights the intensity and potential disagreement in the exchange.

a heated discussion

Suggests a high level of emotion and possibly conflict.

a passionate debate

Focuses on the strong feelings and convictions involved in the discussion.

a dynamic interaction

Highlights the active and changing nature of the communication.

a robust conversation

Implies a thorough and comprehensive discussion.

a stimulating dialogue

Suggests that the conversation is thought-provoking and engaging.

a frank discussion

Emphasizes the honesty and directness of the conversation.

an intense dialogue

Highlights the seriousness and focus of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a spirited exchange" in a sentence?

Use "a spirited exchange" to describe a lively, energetic discussion where participants actively share ideas and opinions. For instance, "The conference featured "a spirited exchange" between leading experts in the field."

What are some alternatives to "a spirited exchange" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a lively debate", "an animated discussion", or "a vigorous argument".

Is "a spirited exchange" appropriate for formal writing?

"A spirited exchange" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe dynamic discussions.

What distinguishes "a spirited exchange" from "a heated argument"?

"A spirited exchange" suggests an energetic and engaging discussion, whereas "a heated argument" implies strong emotions and potential conflict. The former is generally more positive and constructive than the latter.