critical debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical debate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a discussion or argument which is serious, analytical, and important in determining the truth or finding a solution to a problem. Example: The political candidates engaged in a critical debate about healthcare policies during the live televised event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On criticism: "There is a lamentable lack of critical debate about contemporary art.

The Guardian

Campus carry undermines this kind of critical debate.

The New Yorker

It's been an honor to engage in this critical debate.

The New York Times

Google's "Basta!" is a welcome provocation to a critical debate.

The New York Times

Lund Critical Debate: 9/11 @ 10: What Have We Learned?

Cornell University

His work is the subject of critical debate, garnering great praise and sometimes ridicule.

The Guardian - Arts

Further, the way to bring about such inclusion is through critical debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Importantly, seminars involve more critical debate and discussion led by the students.

The Guardian

"This is a critical debate for another day," Mr. Paulson said.

The New York Times

There had been some speculation that a critical debate on welfare reform would be postponed.

The Guardian

That instinct faces its most decisive test in the critical debate over a new constitution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical debate" when you want to emphasize the importance of a rigorous and analytical discussion on a specific topic.

Common error

Avoid using "critical debate" in contexts where a simple discussion or exchange of ideas is sufficient. Opt for more general terms like "discussion" or "conversation" when the analysis is not particularly rigorous or essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical debate" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "critical" modifies the noun "debate". It is used to describe a specific type of discussion characterized by its importance and analytical rigor. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical debate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies an important and analytical discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it is best employed when emphasizing the rigor and significance of a discussion. When appropriate, alternatives like "important discussion" or "in-depth analysis" can add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in less formal contexts, opting for simpler terms when a less intensive exchange of ideas is sufficient. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, lending itself well to authoritative discourse. Its consistent usage and clear grammatical structure solidify its place as a valuable term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important discussion

Emphasizes the significance of the discussion, rather than its analytical nature.

crucial discussion

Highlights the decisiveness of the discussion.

pivotal discussion

Focuses on the turning-point aspect of the debate.

vital discussion

Stresses the life-or-death importance of the discussion.

key discussion

Indicates that the discussion is essential or fundamental.

significant discussion

Emphasizes the notable or consequential aspect of the discussion.

essential discussion

Stresses the absolute necessity of the discussion.

serious discussion

Highlights the gravity and importance of the conversation.

in-depth analysis

Highlights the detailed investigation of a particular subject or issue.

thorough examination

Focuses on the completeness and rigor of the investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical debate" to describe an important and analytical discussion, such as: "The new policy sparked a "critical debate" among economists."

What is a good alternative to "critical debate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "important discussion", "crucial discussion", or "in-depth analysis".

Is there a difference between "critical debate" and "regular debate"?

Yes, a "critical debate" implies a higher level of scrutiny and importance compared to a general debate. It suggests a more analytical and essential discussion.

When is it appropriate to use the term "critical debate"?

Use "critical debate" when the discussion involves careful analysis, significant implications, and a need for thorough examination of the topic at hand.