a thorough debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for an in-depth and comprehensive discussion on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The committee agreed that a thorough debate was necessary before making any final decisions on the proposed policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"If this was such a good idea, they would have vetted it with a thorough debate".

The New York Times - Sports

Labour needs a thorough debate about voting reform now that the referendum moment is announced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Toohey said the growing use of security contractors deserves a thorough debate both in the United States and around the world.

The New York Times

Beginning in November, just after the election — and a thorough debate over how higher taxes might affect small businesses — we started inviting readers to share the intimate details of their businesses' financial conditions.

The New York Times

Though Mr Juncker said Europe needs a thorough debate on growth, he read out a statement from ministers declaring that the current strategy for fiscal consolidation (ie, austerity) "remains appropriate".

The Economist

For decades arts institutions have effectively engaged in self-censorship to pay for their productions, putting on amazing programming and covering critical topics, as long as it wasn't a thorough debate of our addiction to fossil fuels.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I think in general we need to have a more thorough debate," she said in a telephone interview, "and it should be open to the public".

The New York Times

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va)., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, predicted in an interview that there would be "a very thorough debate on all aspects of missile defense". Briefing reporters, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said that although the $328-billion 328-billioned the largest spending hike since the mid-1980s, far more would budgetded.

Los Angeles Times

But I am convinced our nation needs the kind of answers that can only be found if we have a more thorough debate on the challenges of governing than the current one.

The Guardian

Those are decisions that should be made by city policymakers after a transparent and thorough debate, not written by an industry group.

Los Angeles Times

Partly for that reason, many Democrats are calling for a slow and thorough debate on tax cutting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for "a thorough debate", clearly define the scope and objectives of the discussion to ensure it remains focused and productive.

Common error

Avoid presuming that all participants share the same understanding of fundamental concepts related to the topic. Ensure that key terms are defined and clarified at the outset of "a thorough debate" to prevent misunderstandings and unproductive arguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the type of debate, emphasizing its comprehensiveness and depth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase signifying a comprehensive and in-depth discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and appears across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. It is generally neutral to formal and emphasizes the need for exploring various perspectives. When using this phrase, it's important to define the scope of the debate and ensure common understanding of key terms. Alternatives include "a comprehensive discussion" or "an in-depth analysis".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive discussion

Emphasizes the completeness and breadth of the discussion.

an in-depth analysis

Focuses on the detailed and profound examination of a subject.

a detailed examination

Highlights the scrutiny and attention to detail involved.

a comprehensive analysis

Similar to a comprehensive discussion, highlighting completeness.

an exhaustive inquiry

Implies a very complete and thorough investigation.

a rigorous examination

Suggests a strict and methodical analysis.

a complete deliberation

Focuses on the careful consideration and decision-making process.

an intensive review

Implies a concentrated and focused examination.

a full investigation

Highlights the completeness of the investigative process.

a painstaking analysis

Emphasizes the care and effort involved in the analysis.

FAQs

How can "a thorough debate" improve decision-making?

A "thorough debate" allows for the exploration of diverse perspectives, identification of potential pitfalls, and ultimately leads to more informed and robust decisions. It ensures that all angles are considered before a final conclusion is reached.

What are some essential elements of "a thorough debate"?

Essential elements include clear objectives, respectful communication, evidence-based arguments, active listening, and a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints. These elements help ensure that the debate is productive and meaningful.

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

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive discussion", "an in-depth analysis", or "a detailed examination" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a thorough debate" and a simple discussion?

While both involve exchanging ideas, "a thorough debate" implies a more structured, in-depth exploration of opposing viewpoints, often with the goal of reaching a well-reasoned conclusion. A simple discussion may be more informal and less focused on resolving disagreements.