debated extensively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debated extensively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that has been thoroughly discussed or analyzed in detail by various parties. Example: "The implications of climate change have been debated extensively in scientific circles over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"That will be sorted out, or at least debated extensively, in the coming years".

The Guardian

"That will be sorted out, or at least debated extensively, in the coming years," he said.

The Guardian

The issues have been debated extensively in recent years after several high-profile court cases.

The New York Times

"Radio 3's distinctiveness from commercial station Classic FM has also been debated extensively," said the trust.

The Guardian

And I think it's important to establish a basic principle that was debated extensively during the course of this campaign.

The New York Times

"That will be sorted out or at least debated extensively in the coming years once the paper is published," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Identifying promising alternative ingredients to minimize the inclusion level of dietary fish meal has been a much debated and extensively researched topic in aquaculture.

International Aquatic Research

It is not the place here to discuss the contemporary debate extensively, but it has to be emphasized that contemporary simulation theorists vigorously discuss how to account for our grasp of mental concepts and whether simulation theory is committed to Cartesianism.

SEP

The Senate is debating how extensively to ban human cloning, but none of the bills it is considering deal with the patent issues.

The New York Times

The environmental challenges have been extensively debated.

The Guardian - Business

We extensively debated the causes of failure, of which the informed scientific imagination would provide many".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debated extensively" when you want to emphasize that a topic has been discussed in detail by many people and from various perspectives. It adds weight to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "debated extensively" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "talked about a lot" or "discussed at length" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debated extensively" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the manner or extent to which the action of debating has occurred. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debated extensively" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that indicates a topic has undergone thorough discussion. Ludwig confirms that its use is acceptable across a broad range of contexts but is most commonly found in the sciences and news media. While the expression is appropriate for formal settings, it's essential to consider simpler alternatives like "widely discussed" in more casual settings. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the depth and intensity of the discussion, and its authoritative sources highlight its suitability for conveying detailed analysis in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensively discussed

Similar meaning, simply rephrasing by swapping the word order.

thoroughly discussed

Emphasizes the completeness and attention to detail of the discussion.

heavily debated

Highlights the intensity and potential controversy surrounding the discussion.

much discussed

A more concise way of saying something has been discussed a lot.

widely discussed

Focuses on the breadth of the discussion rather than the depth or intensity.

widely argued

Similar to 'widely discussed' but suggests a more argumentative approach.

subject of much debate

Shifts the focus to the topic itself as being the center of debate.

subject to extensive scrutiny

Highlights a detailed examination, potentially from a regulatory or investigative perspective.

carefully considered

Implies a more thoughtful and deliberate examination of the topic.

intensely scrutinized

Suggests a critical and detailed examination, often with a focus on potential flaws.

FAQs

How can I use "debated extensively" in a sentence?

You can use "debated extensively" to describe a topic that has been thoroughly discussed. For example, "The ethical implications of artificial intelligence have been "debated extensively"."

What are some alternatives to "debated extensively"?

Alternatives include "widely discussed", "thoroughly discussed", or "heavily debated". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "debated extensively" or "discussed a lot"?

"Debated extensively" is more formal and suggests a deeper, more thorough discussion than "discussed a lot", which is more casual. Use "debated extensively" in academic or professional writing.

Is there a difference between "extensively debated" and "debated extensively"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have essentially the same meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference. "Extensively debated" might subtly emphasize the 'extensiveness', while "debated extensively" puts the emphasis on the debate itself.