grave debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant discussion on a particular topic, often involving important issues or consequences. Example: "The committee engaged in a grave debate about the implications of the new policy on public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

How any of his passengers could have been confident of reaching their destination, or indeed of taking off in the first place, is open to grave debate, but Beckett was bent on flying: I hope I am not too old to take it up seriously, nor too stupid about machines to qualify as a commercial pilot.

The New Yorker

Also on the menu: a brief discussion of why you will have to go elsewhere if you want to hear George Takei calling a former Arkansas school board member a "douchebag;" and listener reaction to the on-going "LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT vs. I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE" debate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since that time, the Senate's capacity for serious debate and bipartisan compromise crucial to effective legislation has eroded, with grave consequences.

The New York Times

Winston said Dawkins was doing a "grave disservice to science" with such comments, which he said were preventing serious debate and helping to polarise society.

The Guardian

But in the Senate, when matters turned grave, the language of debate turned legalistic.

The New York Times

In his veto of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, President Nixon observed: "I do not, however, believe that the Congress can responsibly contribute its considered, collective judgment on such grave questions without full debate and without a yes or no vote.

The New York Times

Although, there is still some debate whether Graves' disease increases the risk for thyroid cancer, nodules embedded in a Graves' goiter should be carefully evaluated for malignant transformation especially when patients are young.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

There's really no arguing with the consensus view that, after repeatedly courting calamity in prior debates, Rick Perry did grave damage to his presidential campaign Wednesday night.

The New York Times

"We have grave concerns that these public debates have already begun to erode the confidence in mammography that has been built up over the past two decades," they wrote.

The New York Times

My own view is that unless there is at least one institution, such as the church, dedicated to posing the ethical dilemmas present in the public policy debate, there is a grave danger that these debates automatically become subsumed by the pragmatic considerations of politics and public finance of the day.

Huffington Post

Like Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution, James Traub seems haunted by the prospect of George W. Bush confronting Howard Dean in a debate about the mass graves in Iraq (Jan . 4.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave debate" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of a discussion. It suggests that the topic at hand is of utmost importance and requires careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "grave debate" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or alarmist. Opt for more neutral terms like "serious discussion" or "important consideration" when the situation doesn't warrant such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a serious and significant discussion about a matter of great importance, often carrying weighty implications. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave debate" is a noun phrase denoting a serious and significant discussion on a weighty matter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to underscore the importance and potential consequences of the topic being discussed. When a less dramatic tone is desired, alternatives like "serious discussion" or "weighty discussion" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious discussion

Focuses on the earnestness of the conversation, omitting the sense of potential danger or consequence.

weighty discussion

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the discussion.

intense deliberation

Highlights the thoroughness and depth of the discussion process.

earnest argument

Focuses on the sincerity and seriousness of the disagreement.

critical examination

Emphasizes the analytical aspect and potential for significant findings.

profound consideration

Highlights the depth and thoughtfulness of the consideration.

momentous dispute

Emphasizes the historical importance of the disagreement.

significant controversy

Highlights the widespread disagreement and its potential impact.

vital conversation

Underscores the necessity and importance of the dialogue.

crucial discourse

Emphasizes the decisive nature and formal quality of the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave debate" to describe a serious or significant discussion. For example: "The ethics committee engaged in a grave debate about the new policy's impact on patient rights."

What are some alternatives to "grave debate"?

You can use alternatives like "serious discussion", "weighty discussion", or "intense deliberation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "grave debate"?

Use "grave debate" when describing a discussion involving serious issues with potentially significant or negative consequences. It is suitable for topics involving ethics, politics, or matters of great importance.

Is "grave debate" formal or informal?

"Grave debate" leans towards the formal side due to the word "grave", which implies seriousness and formality. However, it can be used in both news and formal contexts.