an extensive debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a thorough or detailed discussion on a particular topic. Example: "The committee held an extensive debate on the proposed changes to the policy before reaching a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This suits the Tories too, because although they like to talk at people about the economy, they'd rather not have an extensive debate about it.

Independent

There has been an extensive debate for years over whether the Bank of Japan's low interest rate policy has been helping the economy overcome its worst period of weakness since the end of World War II.

The New York Times

After an extensive debate inside the White House, Mr. Bush has begun directly rebutting the arguments laid out in manifestos and missives from Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, Mr. bin Laden's top aide.

The New York Times

In fact, the group feels so strongly about digital voices that after an extensive debate, it now expressly forbids the use of most digitally sampled sounds, except for deep bass notes and some percussive sounds, like chimes and bells.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Rodriguez ordered the tapes destroyed after consulting with two agency lawyers and after an extensive debate within the Bush administration that involved top officials at the White House.

The New York Times

After an extensive debate with McLaughlin and Walker, Wong concluded that since the lêse-majesté law had broad democratic support in Thailand, it would be better to remove the videos that obviously violated Thai law while refusing to remove the videos that offended the government but didn't seem to be illegal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In the unlikely event that Senator Sanders or Governor O'Malley are able to pull off an epic upset and win the nomination, a more extensive debate schedule would give the upstart nominee a chance to define himself with voters.

Huffington Post

Sirhubert's comment successfully stirred a comparatively extensive debate, both about the work itself and about the role and meaning of a music review.

The Guardian - Music

Born into a Muslim family in Mumbai, India, Mr. Zakaria received a secular education and has been a centrist voice in a period of extensive debate over Western attitudes and policies toward the Muslim world.

The New York Times

As for the proposed academic boycott, of course there is a complex and extensive debate about its appropriateness or effectiveness as a tactic, but Mann's assumption that it is anti-semitic shows that he himself is the one who posits an automatic equation between "Israel" and "Jews" - an equation which, as a Jew, I find anti-semitic, and I am by no means alone in this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Genome-wide association studies are just beginning to uncover novel biology; however, the functional significance of results remains a matter of extensive debate and uncertainty.

Neuropharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the topic and scope of the discussion. Providing specific details about the subjects covered will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive debate" when referring to a brief or minor disagreement. This phrase implies a significant and thorough discussion, so ensure the situation warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

"An extensive debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase describes a discussion characterized by its thoroughness and breadth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive debate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a thorough and detailed discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers. While alternatives like "a prolonged discussion" or "a wide-ranging discussion" exist, the key is to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the depth and scope of the discussion being described. This phrase is commonly found in news media and scientific writing, marking its relevance in these domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged discussion

Replaces "debate" with "discussion" and "extensive" with "prolonged", focusing on the duration of the exchange.

a thorough argument

Substitutes "debate" with "argument" and "extensive" with "thorough", highlighting the depth and completeness of the disagreement.

a wide-ranging discussion

Replaces "extensive" with "wide-ranging", emphasizing the breadth of topics covered in the discussion.

a detailed controversy

Changes "debate" to "controversy" and "extensive" to "detailed", focusing on the intricate aspects of the disagreement.

an in-depth analysis

Shifts from a debate to an "in-depth analysis", focusing on a deep and comprehensive examination of a subject.

a considerable dispute

Replaces "debate" with "dispute" and "extensive" with "considerable", indicating a significant disagreement.

a lengthy deliberation

Substitutes "debate" with "deliberation" and "extensive" with "lengthy", emphasizing the extended period of consideration.

a comprehensive inquiry

Replaces "debate" with "inquiry" and "extensive" with "comprehensive", highlighting a thorough and complete investigation.

a substantial contention

Changes "debate" to "contention" and "extensive" to "substantial", focusing on the significant disagreement or argument.

a prolonged exchange of views

Rephrases the idea using more descriptive language, focusing on the extended nature of the exchange.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive debate" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive debate" to describe a thorough discussion on a particular topic, as in, "The proposal sparked "an extensive debate" among the committee members".

What are some alternatives to "an extensive debate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a prolonged discussion", "a thorough argument", or "a wide-ranging discussion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "extensive debate" or "intense debate"?

While both are correct, "extensive debate" implies a broad and comprehensive discussion, whereas "intense debate" suggests a more heated or passionate argument.

What's the difference between "an extensive debate" and "a brief discussion"?

"An extensive debate" suggests a thorough and detailed examination of a topic, while "a brief discussion" implies a short and less comprehensive exchange of ideas.