an intense debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"an intense debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a heated discussion or argument between two or more people. Example: "The city council meeting was filled with an intense debate over the proposed budget cuts, with both sides passionately defending their positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The petition and the proposed disclosure rules have become the subject of an intense debate.

Harvard University

This possibility has created an intense debate given the ethical, moral and scientific questions it raises.

Resource and Energy Economics

The Republican National Committee approved the new rule after an intense debate among state leaders.

The New York Times

His resignation has already  sparked an intense debate over Labour's future direction.

Independent

It also comes amid an intense debate over the same issue in the United States.

The Washington Post

There is now an intense debate going on about the "Podemos" phenomenon.

The Washington Post

There's an intense debate going on now about why newspapers have so few female columnists.

The New York Times

The result is an intense debate over the future of the marine mammal.

The New York Times

All that said, the MediaGuardian 100 is the product of an intense debate between our panellists.

The Guardian

Thirty million viewers heard Anita Hill's testimony, sparking an intense debate about sexual harassment at work.

The Guardian

The study and the underlying reality have spurred an intense debate about how to proceed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an intense debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the debate and the parties involved for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an intense debate" when the discussion is only mildly contentious. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intense debate" functions as a noun phrase, with "intense" modifying the noun "debate". Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an intense debate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a discussion marked by strong disagreement and thorough exploration of differing viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, although most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and academic sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly identifies the subject and participants of the debate. While alternatives like "a vigorous discussion" or "a heated argument" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, "an intense debate" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heated argument

Replaces "debate" with "argument", emphasizing the potentially confrontational nature of the discussion.

a vigorous discussion

Substitutes "intense debate" with "vigorous discussion", highlighting the energy and enthusiasm involved.

a passionate controversy

Emphasizes the emotional investment and potential division surrounding the topic.

a fierce dispute

Highlights the competitiveness and potential conflict within the discussion.

a spirited exchange

Focuses on the lively and engaging nature of the interaction.

a profound disagreement

Highlights the depth and significance of the differing opinions.

a sharp disagreement

Emphasizes the severity and potential acrimony of the difference in opinion.

a contentious issue

Shifts focus to the subject of the debate itself, rather than the debate process.

a critical analysis

Reframes the debate as a careful and detailed examination of the topic.

a robust challenge

Highlights the questioning and scrutiny involved in the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intense debate" to describe a situation where people strongly disagree and are arguing their points, such as: "There was "an intense debate" among the senators regarding the new bill."

What's the difference between "an intense debate" and "a heated argument"?

While both phrases describe strong disagreements, "an intense debate" typically suggests a more structured and formal discussion, whereas "a heated argument" implies a more emotional and potentially unstructured exchange.

What can I say instead of "an intense debate"?

You can use alternatives like "a vigorous discussion", "a fierce dispute", or "a spirited exchange" depending on the context.

Is "an intense debate" formal or informal?

"An intense debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the overall tone and vocabulary of the writing than on the phrase itself.