a thorough debate about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough debate about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a detailed and comprehensive discussion on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The committee held a thorough debate about the proposed changes to the policy before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Explaining his decision to enter the race at the very last minute – he achieved the necessary nominations just two minutes before the deadline – the Islington North MP said he was responding to "an overwhelming call by Labour party members who want to see a broader range of candidates and a thorough debate about the future of the party".

The Guardian

The discussion on the best estimator and related model only makes sense if preceded by a thorough debate about what is actually sought with a cross-sectional study and what the ensuing best measures for inference are.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It is our contention that this perspective is essentially misguided and that a discussion on the best model only makes sense if preceded by a thorough debate about what is actually sought with a cross-sectional study: estimating the magnitude of a condition in a population or making causal inference?

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

As a closing consideration, however, we would like to emphasise that a thorough debate on the meaning of our findings is rather premature.

British Journal of Cancer

The Communication presents options, allowing for a thorough debate on the way forward to 2050.

European Parliament

Is anybody else troubled by the undemocratic way in which local business leaders and elected officials practically commit a city to host the Olympics without first having a thorough public debate about whether it's a good idea?

The Washington Post

"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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough debate about", ensure the context provides sufficient background information so the reader understands the complexity of the issue being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough debate about" if the discussion was brief or lacked diverse perspectives. Use more appropriate terms like "a preliminary discussion" or "initial thoughts" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough debate about" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies "debate", and "about" introduces the topic under discussion. This phrase is often used to introduce or refer to a comprehensive discussion on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough debate about" is a noun phrase indicating a comprehensive and detailed discussion on a particular topic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, mainly in news, scientific or formal/business writing. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-suited for emphasizing the depth and breadth of a discussion. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the claim of thoroughness; otherwise, consider more moderate alternatives such as "preliminary discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exhaustive discussion on

Replaces "thorough debate" with "exhaustive discussion", emphasizing completeness.

a comprehensive deliberation regarding

Substitutes "debate" with "deliberation" and "about" with "regarding", giving a more formal tone.

an in-depth discourse concerning

Uses "discourse" instead of "debate", highlighting the detailed nature of the conversation and replaces about for concerning.

a detailed argument concerning

Uses "argument" instead of debate, suggesting a more contentious conversation and replaces about for concerning.

a complete consultation regarding

Replaces "debate" with "consultation", emphasizing collaboration and advice.

a rigorous analysis regarding

Replaces "debate" with "analysis" and about with regarding, shifting the focus to a structured assessment.

a painstaking review of

Emphasizes the careful and detailed nature of the examination, not necessarily a debate.

an extensive consideration of

Replaces "debate" with "consideration", focusing on thoughtful evaluation.

a wide-ranging conversation on

Suggests a broad and inclusive discussion, less formal than a debate.

a full and open exchange about

Highlights the transparency and inclusivity of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "a thorough debate about" in a sentence?

You can use "a thorough debate about" to introduce a complex issue that has been discussed extensively. For example, "There needs to be "a thorough debate about" the ethical implications of AI before widespread implementation".

What are some alternatives to "a thorough debate about"?

Some alternatives include "an exhaustive discussion on", "a comprehensive deliberation regarding", or "an in-depth discourse concerning" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a thorough debate about"?

It is appropriate when the discussion is comprehensive, detailed, and involves various perspectives on a significant issue. If the discussion is simple or quick, it might not be the best fit.

Is "a thorough debate about" formal or informal?

The phrase "a thorough debate about" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as seen in examples from news media and academic sources. It's appropriate as long as the context warrants discussion and comprehensive analysis of a certain theme.