has long been debated

USAGE SUMMARY

'has long been debated' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that has been discussed, reviewed, argued, and considered over a lengthy period of time. For example: The boundaries between freedom of speech and hate speech have long been debated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How this happened has long been debated.

The New York Times

The origin of golf has long been debated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The question of the Rosenbergs' guilt has long been debated.

The New York Times

The paternity of Jeanne-Antoinette has long been debated.

The New Yorker

The legitimacy of his election has long been debated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This question has long been debated without reaching agreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether spiders have a sense of hearing has long been debated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Daley's relationship to illegal personnel practices has long been debated.

The New York Times

Whether obesity should be called a disease has long been debated.

The New York Times

The issue of careers advice has long been debated and discussed.

The Guardian

The concept of "total history" has long been debated by academics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has long been debated" to introduce a topic that has been subject to considerable discussion and varying viewpoints over an extended period. This phrase effectively signals that there is no easy consensus and that the issue is complex.

Common error

Avoid using "has long been debated" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While accurate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and uninspired. Vary your language by using synonyms like "has been extensively discussed" or "remains a contested issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has long been debated" functions as an introductory device to signal that a particular issue or question has been the subject of considerable discussion and disagreement over a sustained period. It sets the stage for exploring different perspectives on the topic, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has long been debated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that a topic has undergone extensive discussion. As per Ludwig AI, it's suitable for introducing complex issues and acknowledging the absence of a clear consensus. Appearing predominantly in scientific articles, news reports, and encyclopedias, this phrase serves as an effective tool for signaling ongoing discourse and inviting further investigation. To enhance your writing, vary your phrasing and avoid repetitive use of this expression. By considering the history and current relevance of the debate, you can use the phrase to strengthen your message and engage your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been extensively discussed

Focuses on the breadth of the discussion rather than its duration.

has been subject to prolonged discussion

Emphasizes the length of the discussion and the attention it has received.

has been a matter of ongoing controversy

Highlights the conflicting viewpoints and lack of resolution.

has been under consideration for a long time

Suggests a more formal and deliberative process.

remains a contested issue

Emphasizes that the debate is still active and unresolved.

has been a recurrent theme of debate

Highlights how the topic has been debated over time and reappears.

has been a long-standing point of contention

Highlights the disagreement and conflict related to the topic.

is a subject of perennial debate

Suggests that the debate is likely to continue indefinitely.

has been a persistent topic of conversation

Emphasizes the constant and continuous nature of the discussion.

has seen much deliberation

Highlights thoroughness in consideration but is less forceful than "debated".

FAQs

How can I use "has long been debated" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to introduce a topic or question that has been the subject of much discussion and disagreement. For example, "Whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza "has long been debated" among food enthusiasts."

What are some alternatives to saying "has long been debated"?

You can use alternatives like "has been extensively discussed", "remains a contested issue", or "has been a matter of ongoing controversy" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has long been debated" in formal writing?

Yes, "has long been debated" is appropriate for formal writing. It indicates that an issue has been discussed at length without necessarily implying a resolution. It's commonly found in academic papers, news articles, and professional reports.

What's the difference between "has long been debated" and "is still debated"?

"Has long been debated" emphasizes the historical duration of the debate, while "is still debated" focuses on its current relevance and ongoing nature. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the history of the discussion or its present state.