a widely debated issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widely debated issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or subject that has generated significant discussion and differing opinions among people. Example: "Climate change remains a widely debated issue among scientists, policymakers, and the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is better for painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is a widely debated issue.

The International Journal of Spine Surgery

The origin of the conductivity anomalies beneath the Himalayan-Tibetan belt is a widely debated issue (e.g., Gaillard et al. 2004).

Earth, Planets and Space

However, this is a widely debated issue, as earlier studies have shown complicated interactions between capsular type and other genes in determining pneumococcal virulence.

Plosone

Surface expression of CXCR7 on monocytes is a widely debated issue.

Cell Death and Disease

The problem of proxy respondents is a widely debated issue in literature, with an overall consensus that children should be involved in QoL appraisal whenever possible.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Some of these have been confirmed subsequently as causative agents of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), but the involvement of most of these viruses remains a widely debated issue.

European Respiratory Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The ideal orientation of PV panels is a widely debated topic.

Energy Procedia

The hierarchy of different disciplines was a widely debated topic in Renaissance philosophy.

SEP

Effectively, determining "what is random?" in biological data remains a widely debated topic [7], [8].

Plosone

The legacy of the Cuban Revolution is a complex and widely debated issue; however, one thing is for certain.

Huffington Post

First, we examine climate and human-induced changes in regional water balance focusing on the widely debated issue of the desiccation of the Aral Sea in central Asia.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a widely debated issue” to introduce a topic where different perspectives and arguments exist. This signals to your audience that the subject is complex and lacks a single, universally accepted answer.

Common error

Avoid using “a widely debated issue” too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "a contentious topic" or "a matter of debate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widely debated issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently introduces complex topics with varying viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widely debated issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce topics with diverse perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. While suitable for various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related discussions. Consider synonyms like "a contentious matter" or "a disputed topic" to add variety to your writing and avoid overuse. The phrase serves to signal complexity and a lack of universal agreement on the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious matter

Emphasizes the disagreement and likelihood of argument.

a disputed topic

Highlights the disagreement and questioning of facts or interpretations.

a controversial subject

Focuses on the potential for strong public disagreement or offense.

an open question

Suggests the issue is unresolved and still under consideration.

a matter of debate

A more formal way to indicate something is being discussed and argued.

a much-argued point

Highlights the extent of the argument surrounding the issue.

a contested question

Indicates that the issue is being actively challenged or fought over.

a point of contention

Identifies the specific element causing disagreement.

a vexed question

Highlights the problematic and difficult nature of the issue.

a thorny problem

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty in resolving the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a widely debated issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a widely debated issue" to introduce a subject that has various perspectives and arguments. For example: "The ethics of artificial intelligence is "a widely debated issue" in the tech industry".

What are some synonyms for "a widely debated issue"?

Alternatives include "a contentious matter", "a disputed topic", or "a controversial subject", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "a widely debated issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a widely debated issue" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, reports, and professional articles. However, consider the tone and choose synonyms if you want to sound less generic.

What's the difference between "a widely debated issue" and "a settled matter"?

"A widely debated issue" suggests ongoing discussion and disagreement, whereas "a settled matter" implies that a consensus has been reached and the issue is no longer contentious.