extensively debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensively debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or issue that has been discussed in depth and from multiple perspectives. Example: "The implications of climate change have been extensively debated among scientists and policymakers for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Whether the ancestral chordate was more like a tunicate or a cephalochordate has been extensively debated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps signaling that the government is concerned, the topic has been extensively debated in the official media.

The New York Times

Furthermore, Congress has extensively debated revising the statute to require a cost-benefit analysis at the standard-setting stage, but has declined to do so.

The New York Times

The ethics of PGD has been extensively debated, and there is a broadish consensus that if you are going to select at all, PGD is a more morally acceptable way of doing it than abortion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The policy of detente, supported most of the time by the entire western alliance, involved engaging the other side at all levels for reasons that were extensively debated at the time and have been largely vindicated by history.

The Guardian

The council resolution today was also proposed by Canada, which holds the council presidency this month, and was extensively debated before members finally approved it, 15 to 0. Diplomats expect the debate to reopen in the fall.

The New York Times

Regarding the volume vs. extent debate: As with most things related to climate that are extensively debated, in my opinion the truth as to which one is more important lies very much in the middle.

The New York Times

Glitter was eventually stripped of his qualifications and the whole question of academic recognition of paedophiles was extensively debated in the House of Lords where a cross-bench peer commentated that he knew of a retired university professor who "had a wife young enough to be his daughter".

The Guardian - Opinion

One former diplomat with experience of negotiations in Brussels said it was vital that the legislation setting out the terms on which the referendum is conducted be extensively debated, and that the anti-EU right wing of the Tory party is not allowed to hijack the process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extensively debated", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects of the topic are being debated and why. Provide specific examples or different perspectives to enhance clarity and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "extensively debated" without providing any context about the specific arguments or viewpoints involved. Saying that a topic has been "extensively debated" without further elaboration can sound vague and uninformative. Instead, briefly mention the key points of contention or the different sides of the debate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensively debated" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a passive construction. It indicates that a subject has been thoroughly and comprehensively discussed. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase accurately describes situations where topics have undergone considerable discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensively debated" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe topics that have undergone thorough discussion. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is most commonly found in scientific, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its suitability for formal and neutral registers. While the phrase is considered correct and usable, it’s important to provide context about the specific arguments involved to avoid overgeneralization. The presence of numerous examples demonstrates its frequent use, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavily debated

Implies significant contention and argument surrounding the topic, similar to "extensively debated" but with a stronger emphasis on disagreement.

widely discussed

Focuses on the breadth of the discussion, suggesting that the topic has been considered by many people or groups. It is less strong than "extensively debated".

subject to considerable discussion

A more formal and wordy way of saying "extensively debated", emphasizing the amount of discussion the topic has undergone.

subject to prolonged discussion

Highlights that discussion took some time, suggesting that the topic has been considered at length over a period of time.

thoroughly examined

Emphasizes the depth and detail of the investigation, rather than the debate itself. It refers to a process of careful inspection.

subject to considerable argument

Focuses more on the contentious aspect of the discussion, implying that the topic has been a source of disagreement.

subject to prolonged argument

Highlights the timeframe of contentious debate, suggesting that the topic has been a source of disagreement that lasted for a long time.

intensively scrutinized

Highlights a rigorous and critical evaluation, often implying a search for flaws or weaknesses. It is more critical than "extensively debated".

carefully considered

Indicates thoughtful deliberation, but not necessarily a public or prolonged debate. Suggests a more private process.

much discussed

A shorter, less formal alternative that emphasizes the popularity and frequency of the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "extensively debated" to describe a topic that has been discussed at length from many angles. For example: "The environmental impact of tourism has been "extensively debated"."

What are some alternatives to saying "extensively debated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "heavily debated", "widely discussed", or "thoroughly examined".

Is it appropriate to use "extensively debated" in formal writing?

Yes, "extensively debated" is suitable for formal writing. It indicates that a topic has been thoroughly discussed and considered, making it appropriate for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "extensively debated" and "much debated"?

"Extensively debated" implies a more in-depth and thorough discussion than "much debated". While both phrases indicate that a topic has been discussed frequently, "extensively debated" suggests a greater level of detail and consideration.