a vigorous discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lively and energetic conversation or debate on a particular topic. Example: "The committee held a vigorous discussion about the proposed changes to the policy, with many members expressing their differing opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

And there can be a vigorous discussion there.

The Economist

"I'm expecting a number of amendments, and a vigorous discussion," Mr. Mason said.

The New York Times

Far from being taken aback, those present entered into a vigorous discussion.

The Guardian

A vigorous discussion of who inspired Tom Hardy's voice for Bane?

The New York Times

In 1926 28 a vigorous discussion raged about the future basis of planning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We'd be aligned across from her at a breakfast table for a vigorous discussion of the issues of the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Political analysis is not my forte," he said, though adding, "I do think that in a democracy, vigorous discussion of substantive issues is healthy".

The New York Times

Why do you think race and TV casting is a topic of vigorous discussion right now in our culture?

The New York Times

"While the courageous thing for Don to do would have been to present a complete picture of his personal finances," he said in a statement, "I am heartened that the acting governor has decided to end the negative campaign, and I look forward to him joining me now in a spirited and vigorous discussion of the real issues that matter to New Jersey".

The New York Times

To catalyze a timely and vigorous discussion about how federal financial aid could work differently, the foundation invested $3.6 million in grants to 16 organizations with a stake in higher education policy to explore ideas about Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD).

Huffington Post

The existence of these "tumor-initiating cells" (TICs) has been a topic of vigorous discussion for the last few years within the field of cancer biology.

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vigorous discussion" to describe a situation where there is active and engaged debate, especially on complex or controversial topics. It implies more than a simple conversation; it suggests a robust exchange of ideas.

Common error

While "a vigorous discussion" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in extremely casual contexts where a simpler term like "a good chat" or "a lively talk" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

A vigorous discussion functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of interaction characterized by energy and engagement. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase often appears in contexts related to debates, deliberations, and exchanges of ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an energetic and engaged exchange of ideas. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it’s best suited for neutral to formal settings. When aiming for alternative phrasings, consider options like "a lively debate" or "a spirited exchange" to convey a similar meaning. As Ludwig AI also suggests, consider your audience and context to ensure the most appropriate level of formality. Avoiding overuse in extremely casual conversations can also help maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an animated discussion

Similar to "a vigorous discussion", but places extra emphasis on the enthusiastic and lively characteristics of a debate.

a lively debate

Replaces 'discussion' with 'debate', emphasizing the argumentative nature of the exchange. It expresses a contention between sides.

a spirited exchange

Uses 'spirited' instead of 'vigorous', highlighting the enthusiasm and energy involved.

an intense deliberation

Substitutes 'vigorous' with 'intense' and 'discussion' with 'deliberation', focusing on the depth and careful consideration involved.

a dynamic conversation

Uses 'dynamic' instead of 'vigorous', emphasizing the interactive and evolving nature of the conversation.

a robust debate

Replaces 'vigorous' with 'robust', suggesting a strong and healthy exchange of ideas.

a frank exchange of views

Focuses on honesty and openness in expressing different opinions. It stresses the idea of 'sincerity'.

a thorough exploration

Changes the focus from debate to exploration, emphasizing the detailed examination of a topic. It loses the argumentative nuance though.

a heated argument

More intense alternative, useful when the parties strongly disagree. Has a more negative sentiment.

a comprehensive analysis

Shifts the focus to detailed analysis rather than back-and-forth debate. Has a more formal nuance though.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vigorous discussion" to describe an energetic exchange of ideas, such as: "The proposal led to "a vigorous discussion" among the committee members."

What can I say instead of "a vigorous discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "a lively debate", "a spirited exchange", or "an intense deliberation" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a vigorous discussion" and "a heated argument"?

"A vigorous discussion" implies an energetic exchange of ideas, while "a heated argument" suggests a more contentious and potentially angry exchange. The former is generally more constructive.

Is "vigorous discussion" formal or informal?

"Vigorous discussion" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual settings, simpler phrases like "good chat" or "lively talk" may be more suitable.