enormous debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"enormous debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a discussion or argument on a particular topic that involves a large number of people and/or varying opinions. Example: The proposed changes to the education system sparked an enormous debate among parents, teachers, and politicians.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The 1958 paper and one three years later elaborating on the theory raised enormous debate.

The New York Times

It also masked an enormous debate in the West about the utility of nuclear weapons in a crisis.

The New York Times

When Europe tried to bail out Greece, an enormous debate sprang up about whether the restructuring of Greece's debt was technically considered a "default".

The New York Times

While the Mapplethorpe exhibition, "The Perfect Moment," has caused enormous debate, "Minor White: The Eye That Shapes" has barely been noticed.

The New Yorker

Robert L. Kufrin, the administrator for Sister Bay, said the recent growth in new housing has generated "an enormous debate" in the village.

The New York Times

"There's been enormous debate since Kant about how much reality is in some way constituted by our minds," Mr. Devitt said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We have had this massive trend since the 1970s towards privatisation - an ideologically driven, powerful trend - which has created enormous debates.

The Guardian

His other specialty at Ladder 2 was starting enormous debates in the fire house kitchen with politically incorrect statements he was sure would set people off.

The New York Times

Randy Falco, the former president of the NBC Universal Television Group, said there was "enormous internal debate" about the revenue projections that backed the bid.

The New York Times

There has been an enormous academic debate for more than two decades about the meaning of GDP, and whether there are alternative models worth exploring like Gross National Happiness.

TechCrunch

"We've had an enormous democratic debate, it has moved the country forward in a tremendous way, it has made Scotland a much more self confident country and, as a consequence, all of us who live in Scotland will have to work out where we go from here".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enormous debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and scope of the debate. Be specific about what the debate revolves around to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "enormous debate" for minor disagreements or discussions. Reserve it for situations involving significant public interest or impact, as overuse can dilute its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous debate" functions as a noun phrase, where "enormous" modifies the noun "debate". It describes a discussion or controversy that is of great size, scope, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enormous debate" effectively conveys the magnitude and significance of a discussion or controversy. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives such as "intense discussion" or "heated controversy" exist, "enormous debate" distinctly emphasizes the scale and impact of the disagreement. It is crucial to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its intensity, avoiding overuse to maintain its effectiveness. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for various formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile tool for describing substantial disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense discussion

Replaces "enormous" with "intense" focusing on the high level of engagement rather than the scale of participation.

heated controversy

Emphasizes the emotional and potentially divisive aspect of the debate.

widespread disagreement

Highlights the extensive nature of the differing opinions.

significant dispute

Focuses on the importance and gravity of the disagreement.

extensive deliberation

Indicates a lengthy and thorough discussion process.

considerable argument

Replaces debate with argument and enormous with considerable, focusing on the scale.

major contention

Highlights a point of strong disagreement or competition.

substantial discourse

Elevates the level of discussion to a more formal and academic tone.

broad controversy

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the contentious issue.

large-scale dispute

Highlights the extent and impact of the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "enormous debate" to describe a significant and widespread disagreement on a particular topic. For example, "The new economic policy sparked an "enormous debate" among economists and policymakers."

What's a good alternative to "enormous debate"?

Alternatives include "intense discussion", "heated controversy", or "widespread disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "enormous debate" or "huge debate"?

"Enormous debate" and "huge debate" are similar, but "enormous debate" often implies a greater level of importance or complexity. The best choice depends on the specific context and the scale of the discussion you're describing.

What makes a debate "enormous"?

A debate becomes "enormous" due to its scale, impact, and the number of people or groups involved. It typically concerns significant issues with far-reaching consequences, generating substantial public interest and discussion.