a topic of substantial debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topic of substantial debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or subjects that are widely discussed and have differing opinions or viewpoints. Example: "Climate change remains a topic of substantial debate among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The definition of a successful IS has become a topic of substantial research and debate [ 3- 7].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The frequency at which overdiagnosis occurs is a topic of strong debate.

Epidemiologic Reviews

It's a topic of endless debate among runners.

The New York Times

The sharing and withholding of research results is a topic of intense debate within the scientific community.

Research Policy

It's also become a topic of heated debate.

Columbia University

However, the SLC6 substrate transport mechanism is a topic of ongoing debate.

Neuroscience Letters

Whether dietary supplements provide measurable health benefits has long been a topic of scientific debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This has long been a topic of intense debate in psychology.

The New York Times

Exactly when this happened is a topic of much debate.

Forbes

Whether current chemical plant protection meets this requirement is a topic of heated debate.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a topic of substantial debate" when you want to emphasize the depth and importance of the discussion, not just a simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a topic of substantial debate" when the disagreement is minor or only affects a small group. Use less emphatic phrasing for minor disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a topic of substantial debate" functions as a nominal phrase, introducing a subject characterized by significant and ongoing disagreement. Ludwig AI's analysis aligns with this understanding, confirming the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topic of substantial debate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce subjects characterized by significant and ongoing disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, although its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is generally considered formal and scientific, making it suitable for academic and professional settings. While alternatives exist, such as "a matter of considerable contention", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the debate is indeed substantial and not a minor disagreement. Use "a topic of intense debate" if you want to emphasize the strength of feeling or activity involved and not necessarily the depth and importance of the debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of considerable contention

This alternative emphasizes the disagreement aspect more strongly than the original phrase.

a subject of significant controversy

This alternative highlights the controversial nature of the topic.

an area of active contention

This alternative underscores the active and ongoing nature of the disagreement.

an issue under intense discussion

This alternative focuses on the active discussion surrounding the issue.

a source of widespread disagreement

This alternative emphasizes the broad extent of differing opinions.

a point of ongoing dispute

This alternative suggests a continuous disagreement.

a focus of intense scrutiny

This alternative highlights the close and critical examination the topic is receiving.

a question of considerable argument

This alternative emphasizes the argumentative aspect of the debate.

a bone of contention

This alternative is an idiomatic expression meaning a subject of disagreement.

a theme of extensive deliberation

This alternative emphasizes the depth and detail of the consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a topic of substantial debate" to introduce a subject that has significant and ongoing disagreement. For instance, "The effectiveness of certain dietary supplements remains "a topic of substantial debate" among nutritionists".

What are some alternatives to "a topic of substantial debate"?

Alternatives include "a matter of considerable contention", "a subject of significant controversy", or "an issue under intense discussion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a topic of substantial debate" formal or informal?

"A topic of substantial debate" is generally considered formal, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

Which is correct, "a topic of substantial debate" or "a topic of intense debate"?

Both "a topic of substantial debate" and "a topic of intense debate" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Substantial" emphasizes the depth and importance of the debate, while "intense" emphasizes the strength of feeling or activity involved.