a substantial debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a substantial debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a discussion or argument that is substantial in nature, meaning that it is of a considerable size and scope, and involves many people or points of view. For example: "The issue of taxes sparked a substantial debate among city council members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Behind this linguistic confusion, though, there is a substantial debate.

The Economist

The first is to simply vote to table the House measure, which would likely inflame Republican senators, deprived of the right to have a substantial debate on it.

The New York Times

We found our way forward with the help of some park workers (who held quite a substantial debate about our predicament before venturing their counsel).

The New York Times - Travel

"There isn't a substantial debate about this, and there is this sort of attitude that you shouldn't criticize the monarchy," said Graham Smith, the campaign manager for Republic, a group that supports an elected head of state.

The New York Times

There is a substantial debate on possible increase in thermogenic methane due to the creation of connectivity between deep and shallow formations (Floodgate and Judd 1992; Vengosh et al. 2013).

Applied Water Science

As one official observed "we never had a substantial debate over where we think Ukraine belongs?" He went on to bemoan that there was no big debate as to how Russia would react to all this.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Behind all this flim-flam about income is a more substantial debate about the future of general practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

− Madam President, I would like to thank Members of Parliament for a very substantial debate.

European Parliament

As another colleague, Jane Perlez, reports, while the Chinese government is not changing its position in public, there are signs that an increasingly substantial debate is under way here, not just among officials but also more broadly among analysts, on the wisdom of continued support.

The New York Times

Despite all the media frenzy, many observers have noted that there appears to be a lack of substantial debate in this election about a variety of important issues.

The Washington Post

The use of the DMT in real clinical practice setting has been a topic of substantial debate for payers at hospital and CCAA level.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial debate" to indicate that a discussion is significant, involving many people or points of view. For instance, "The proposal triggered a substantial debate among the stakeholders."

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial debate" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant discussion" or "extensive controversy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial debate" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is a usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show it is used to describe a significant and meaningful discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial debate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a significant and meaningful discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the depth and breadth of the discussion at hand. Alternatives such as "significant discussion" or "extensive controversy" can provide variety in your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider the specific context to determine the most appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant discussion

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the debate.

a serious discussion

Emphasizes the gravity of the debate by using "serious" instead of "substantial".

a robust discussion

Substitutes "substantial" with "robust", suggesting a strong and vigorous debate.

a considerable argument

Substitutes "debate" with "argument", highlighting a potentially contentious aspect.

a spirited debate

Replaces "substantial" with "spirited", emphasizing the energy and enthusiasm of the debate.

an extensive controversy

Uses "controversy" instead of "debate", suggesting a wider and more public disagreement.

a weighty deliberation

Substitutes "debate" with "deliberation", focusing on the careful consideration involved.

a major dispute

Replaces "debate" with "dispute", indicating a more formal or legal disagreement.

a prolonged contention

Replaces "debate" with "contention", focusing on the extended duration and conflicting nature.

a meaningful exchange of views

Rephrases the concept as an exchange of views, highlighting the interactive aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial debate" to indicate a significant and meaningful discussion on a particular topic. For example, "The new policy sparked "a substantial debate" within the community".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial debate"?

Alternatives include "a significant discussion", "a considerable argument", or "an extensive controversy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a substantial debate"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and the context. In some situations, a more informal term like "big discussion" might be preferable, though it lacks the same emphasis on importance and depth.

What makes a debate "substantial"?

A debate is considered "substantial" when it involves significant issues, widespread participation, and thorough examination of different viewpoints. It implies more than just a casual disagreement.