great debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or important discussion or argument on a particular topic, often involving differing opinions or perspectives. Example: "The great debate over climate change policies has sparked discussions across the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a great debate".

The Guardian

Here there is great debate.

The Guardian

— the great debate will continue.

The New Yorker

It's the great debate about today's capitalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

How goes the great debate today?

The New York Times - Books

The great debate was lively and sparky.

The Guardian - Opinion

It included incredible artwork and great debate.

The Guardian

That is a matter of great debate.

The New York Times

This caused great debate within the committee.

The Guardian

No: here's one great debate going nowhere.

The Guardian

That's a great debate really, isn't it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great debate" to signal a discussion of considerable importance or widespread interest. This signals to your reader that the topic is not merely a discussion, but a significant point of contention or intellectual exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "great debate" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase implies a certain level of formality and weight, so it may sound out of place in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler terms like "discussion" or "argument" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great debate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It signifies a significant and often ongoing discussion or dispute on a particular topic. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe events ranging from political disagreements to scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great debate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a significant and ongoing discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various domains including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, lending itself to a neutral to formal register. When employing the phrase, it's essential to consider the context and aim for a formal tone while refraining from overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "major discussion" or "significant argument" can be used to add nuance or to avoid repetition. Given its established presence in credible sources, "great debate" remains a valuable asset in formal and semi-formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major discussion

Replaces "debate" with a more general term for discussion, diminishing the sense of formal argumentation.

significant argument

Substitutes "debate" with "argument", highlighting the presence of opposing viewpoints and potential conflict.

intense discussion

Emphasizes the emotional and intellectual engagement involved in the debate.

vigorous discussion

Highlights the energy and enthusiasm present in the debate.

spirited debate

Implies that the debate is lively and engaging.

extensive discussion

Focuses on the breadth and depth of the debate.

considerable argument

Similar to "significant argument", but perhaps implying a greater degree of controversy.

wide-ranging discussion

Indicates that the debate covers a variety of topics and perspectives.

public controversy

Shifts the focus to the widespread disagreement and public attention surrounding the issue.

heated dispute

Emphasizes the intensity and potential animosity involved in the debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "great debate" to describe a significant discussion or argument, such as, "The "great debate" over climate change continues to rage on." or "The ethical implications of AI are the subject of a "great debate" among scientists.".

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

Alternatives include "major discussion", "significant argument", or "intense discussion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "great debate"?

While grammatically correct, "great debate" carries a sense of importance and formality. Reserve its use for discussions that are truly significant or widely recognized as such. In casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What makes a debate "great"?

A "great debate" typically involves fundamental questions, significant consequences, and widespread public interest. It often features multiple perspectives and can shape public opinion or policy.