a vigorous debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lively and intense discussion or argument on a particular topic. Example: "The committee held a vigorous debate on the proposed changes to the policy, with members expressing strong opinions on both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vigorous debate followed, with everyone contributing.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was, in addition, a vigorous debate about fiscal policies.

Columbia University

A vigorous debate is taking place in Washington.

The Economist

We should have a vigorous debate about its potential consequences.

The Washington Post

Whatever its limitations, the list provoked a vigorous debate.

The Guardian - Books

"Let's say that we had a vigorous debate," he says.

The Guardian

Their argument excited a vigorous debate among philosophers, both supporters and detractors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We've seen the bees conduct a vigorous debate to identify a winner.

Cornell University

The recent financial crisis has led to a vigorous debate about the pros and cons of fair-value accounting (FVA).

Accounting, Organizations and Society

So much so that there is a vigorous debate now about how real they actually are.

The Economist

The thesis is now the subject of a vigorous debate among economic experts and policymakers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vigorous debate" to describe situations where the discussion is not only active but also involves a significant amount of energy and differing viewpoints. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a vigorous debate" when a simpler term like "discussion" or "conversation" would suffice. Overusing "vigorous" can make your writing sound unnecessarily inflated or repetitive. Reserve "a vigorous debate" for situations where the intensity and energy of the discussion are truly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vigorous debate" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular type of discussion. The adjective "vigorous" modifies the noun "debate", indicating that the discussion is energetic, forceful, and active. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous debate" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an energetic and active discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Its usage spans across news media, academia, and scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuances you want to convey, such as intensity, enthusiasm, or contentiousness. It's crucial to reserve the adjective "vigorous" for contexts where the debate's intensity is genuinely noteworthy, avoiding overuse in simpler discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense discussion

Replaces "vigorous" with "intense", highlighting the strong and concentrated nature of the discussion.

a passionate debate

Replaces "vigorous" with "passionate", highlighting the strong emotions and convictions involved in the debate.

a spirited discussion

Uses "spirited" instead of "vigorous", emphasizing the enthusiastic and lively aspect of the discussion.

an animated discussion

Uses "animated" instead of "vigorous", highlighting the lively and energetic nature of the discussion.

a lively exchange of views

Replaces "debate" with "exchange of views" and "vigorous" with "lively", focusing on the dynamic interaction of opinions.

a robust exchange

Replaces "vigorous debate" with "robust exchange", suggesting a strong and healthy interchange of ideas.

a heated argument

Substitutes "debate" with "argument" and "vigorous" with "heated", emphasizing the potentially contentious nature of the discussion.

a contentious debate

Replaces "vigorous" with "contentious", stressing the disagreement and potential conflict within the debate.

an active controversy

Changes "debate" to "controversy" and "vigorous" to "active", shifting the focus to a dynamic and ongoing dispute.

a thorough discussion

Uses "thorough" instead of "vigorous", emphasizing the comprehensive and detailed nature of the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vigorous debate" to describe an energetic and active discussion. For example, "The proposal sparked "a vigorous debate" among the committee members".

What are some alternatives to "a vigorous debate"?

Alternatives include "an intense discussion", "a spirited discussion", or "a lively exchange of views", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a vigorous debate" formal or informal?

"A vigorous debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The key is whether the intensity of the discussion warrants the adjective "vigorous".

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

"A vigorous debate" implies a high level of energy, engagement, and likely disagreement among the participants. A "simple discussion" is more neutral and does not necessarily suggest the same level of intensity or opposition.