after considerable debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after considerable debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a discussion or argument took place over a significant amount of time before reaching a conclusion or decision. Example: "After considerable debate, the committee finally reached a consensus on the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

After considerable debate, the radical design was finally approved by the Landmarks Commission.

The New York Times

However, after considerable debate, the board and senior staff decided that we should put in a bid.

The Guardian

After considerable debate, which revealed the conflicting purposes of Crusaders and Jerusalem barons, it was decided to attack Damascus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After considerable debate, my wife relented and let Jeremy go to the tryouts, which were infelicitously scheduled during our daughter's 11th birthday party.

The New York Times

Mr. Byrd suggested that Congress move existing agencies to the department one by one, after considerable debate on a reorganization of government greater than any since the 1940's.

The New York Times

He repeatedly thanked Germany for its contributions to the fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, an action that the Parliament authorized after considerable debate over the first deployment of German troops for battle since World War II.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

After years of considerable debate, these structures contribute toward a unified view of the chemistry performed by the CODH C-cluster, as for the first time there is consistency between structures of ligand-bound CODHs, with crystallographic snapshots of H2O/OH−-, CN-, CO2-boundC-clustersC-clusters providing a portrait of CODH reactivity.

Biochemistry

Mr Rudd replaced Julia Gillard in June, after a premiership that sparked considerable debate over gender and politics in Australia.

BBC

This form of inner awareness has been a topic of considerable debate, centuries after the issue arose with Locke's notion of self-consciousness on the heels of Descartes' sense of consciousness (conscience, co-knowledge).

SEP

For their part, North Korean officials have charged that the Bush administration has exhibited little but hostility despite its decision last June, after considerable internal debate, to continue with the Clinton-era accord.

The New York Times

The broader matter of whether it is permissible to execute the mentally retarded was not put before the justices by his lawyers, who, after considerable internal debate, decided to keep the issues limited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after considerable debate" to clearly indicate that a decision was not made lightly and involved substantial discussion, enhancing the credibility of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor performing the debate is unclear. Instead of saying "After considerable debate, it was decided...", specify who debated: "After considerable debate, the committee decided...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after considerable debate" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the temporal context in which an action occurred. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its integration into varied sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after considerable debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that signifies a decision or action taken following a significant period of discussion. According to Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "following extensive discussion" or "after much deliberation" exist, "after considerable debate" aptly conveys the notion of a thorough and potentially contentious discussion. It is important to avoid passive constructions when employing this phrase to maintain clarity. The phrase's versatility and relative formality make it a valuable asset in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following extensive discussion

Emphasizes the length and detail of the discussion.

after much deliberation

Highlights the careful consideration involved.

after thorough consideration

Focuses on the completeness of the thought process.

following lengthy negotiations

Specifically refers to a negotiation process that took a significant amount of time.

after significant discussion

Highlights the importance of the discussion.

after a prolonged discussion

Emphasizes the duration of the discussion.

subsequent to extensive discussion

A more formal way of saying after extensive discussion.

following careful consideration

Emphasizes the attention to detail in the thought process.

after extensive deliberation

A more formal synonym to "after much deliberation".

after intense deliberation

Highlights the high level of focus and effort of the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "after considerable debate" in a sentence?

You can use "after considerable debate" to show that a decision was made following a significant discussion. For example, "After considerable debate, the board approved the proposal."

What are some alternatives to "after considerable debate"?

You can use alternatives like "following extensive discussion", "after much deliberation", or "after thorough consideration" depending on the context.

Is "after considerable debate" formal or informal?

"After considerable debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "after considerable debate" and "after some discussion"?

"After considerable debate" implies a more prolonged and possibly contentious discussion, while "after some discussion" suggests a shorter, less intense exchange.