a wider debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wider debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a broader discussion or conversation that encompasses various perspectives or issues related to a specific topic. Example: "The recent policy changes have sparked a wider debate about the implications for public health and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There has to be a wider debate".

The New York Times

First, it's time for a wider debate.

The Guardian

It engages in a wider debate of policy and politics.

The Economist

Inevitably, ADHD issues revive a wider debate about inclusion.

The Guardian

You have to engage in a wider debate.

The Guardian

But as we said, that is a starting point for a wider debate.

The New York Times

It has only sparked a wider debate about his best position.

Independent

There ensued a wider debate throughout June and July, the officials said.

The New York Times

And I think it fits into a wider debate in Spain.

Independent

It is appropriate that it should be part of a wider debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It moved the discussion away from press freedom to a wider debate about freedom of expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to signal that current discussion is too narrow or limited in scope use "a wider debate". Example: "This incident requires more than superficial attention; it necessitates "a wider debate" on systemic problems".

Common error

Avoid using "wide debate" instead of "a wider debate". "Wider" implies an expansion of the existing debate, whereas "wide" simply suggests the breadth of the debate, which can lead to misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider debate" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the need for a more comprehensive discussion on a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to introduce or suggest a broader scope of discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wider debate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that calls for a more inclusive and comprehensive discussion on a topic. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid substituting "wider" with "wide". Use the phrase to introduce the idea of broadening the scope of a discussion to include more perspectives and issues. Remember to choose alternative phrases like "a broader discussion" or "a more extensive dialogue" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broader discussion

Focuses on expanding the scope of the conversation.

a more extensive dialogue

Emphasizes the depth and detail of the conversation.

a larger conversation

Highlights the scale and participation in the conversation.

a comprehensive deliberation

Stresses the thorough and careful consideration of the issues.

a more inclusive discourse

Highlights the importance of diverse voices and perspectives.

an expanded exchange of views

Focuses on the sharing of different opinions and perspectives.

a far-reaching exploration

Emphasizes the scope and depth of the investigation.

a significant examination

Highlights the importance and relevance of the scrutiny.

an open forum for discussion

Emphasizes the availability and accessibility of the exchange.

a more thorough analysis

Focuses on conducting a detailed and complete study.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wider debate" to introduce the idea of expanding a discussion to include more perspectives or issues. For example, "The recent findings have opened up "a wider debate" about the ethics of artificial intelligence".

What phrases are similar to "a wider debate"?

Similar phrases include "a broader discussion", "a more extensive dialogue", or "a larger conversation", all indicating a more inclusive or expanded discussion.

When is it appropriate to call for "a wider debate"?

It's appropriate to call for "a wider debate" when the current discussion is too narrow, excludes important perspectives, or fails to address all relevant issues.

What's the difference between "a wider debate" and "a wide debate"?

"A wider debate" suggests expanding an existing debate, while "a wide debate" simply refers to the breadth of a debate. Therefore, "a wider debate" is used when calling for a more inclusive and comprehensive discussion.