debated at length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debated at length" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that has been thoroughly discussed or examined in detail. Example: "The proposal for the new policy was debated at length during the meeting, with various viewpoints being expressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I think [they] ought to be debated at length.

The Guardian

The first has been debated at length, so I'll leave it to the experts.

The Guardian - Film

Both subjects have been debated at length here in the past week.

The New York Times - Sports

"All of those things were debated at length," said an administration official involved in the process.

The New York Times

The inscription was debated at length in three separate German publications before World War II.

The New York Times - Arts

It's being debated at length with every single member of that party room allowed the opportunity to speak.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's one thing to use your keyboard and 140 characters for soundbites, it's another to use your mouth to speak and debate at length - I believe we don't use our mouths enough.

The Guardian

Yet overall the results are rather good news for the Republicans: 70 of the 100 most influential members of Congress are from the GOP.Experts will surely debate at length whether the algorithm designed by HP's Social Computing Lab is a good one for measuring influence.

The Economist

This is a question I've debated at some length with administration folks, and endlessly with Peter Orszag in particular.

The New York Times

Despite that he has been criticised in some quarters for being an overly cautious captain and has seen his field placings and declaration decisions debated at some length by ex-players in the commentary box.

The Guardian - Sport

A number of minor points were debated at some length, and a few changes made, but on the whole the delegates seemed satisfied with the presentation, and shortly after ten they voted their approval.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debated at length" to indicate a topic has been extensively discussed from various perspectives. For example, "The environmental impact of the project was debated at length by the committee."

Common error

Avoid using "debated at length" in every sentence describing a discussion. Vary your language by using alternatives like "thoroughly discussed" or "extensively analyzed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debated at length" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a subject has been discussed extensively. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debated at length" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that a particular topic has been discussed extensively. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness and usability in various writing contexts. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. While "debated at length" is versatile, it's advisable to consider alternatives such as "thoroughly discussed" or "extensively discussed" to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of thorough discussion. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "debated at length" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly discussed

Replaces "debated at length" with a focus on the completeness of the discussion.

extensively discussed

Similar to "thoroughly discussed", but emphasizes the breadth of the discussion.

widely discussed

Highlights the breadth of the discussion across different forums or groups.

heavily debated

Emphasizes the intensity and contention involved in the discussion.

intensively discussed

Focuses on the depth and concentration of the discussion.

subject of much debate

Shifts the focus to the topic being debated rather than the act of debating itself.

subject of extensive discussion

Similar to the above, but uses "discussion" instead of "debate".

argued at length

Replaces "debated" with "argued", implying a more confrontational discussion.

ventilated thoroughly

A more metaphorical phrase suggesting that the topic has been aired out completely.

hashed out

An informal phrase meaning to discuss something thoroughly to reach a resolution.

FAQs

What does "debated at length" mean?

The phrase "debated at length" means that a topic or issue has been discussed extensively and thoroughly, often involving various perspectives and arguments.

How can I use "debated at length" in a sentence?

You can use "debated at length" to indicate that a topic has been discussed extensively. For example, "The proposed budget cuts were "debated at length" during the town hall meeting".

What are some alternatives to "debated at length"?

Alternatives to "debated at length" include "thoroughly discussed", "extensively discussed", or "widely discussed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "debated at length" in formal writing?

Yes, "debated at length" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that a topic has been thoroughly discussed.