heavily debated

USAGE SUMMARY

'heavily debated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that has been heavily discussed and argued about. Example sentence: The ethics of creating artificial intelligence is a heavily debated topic in our society today.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should be heavily debated.

The Guardian

Why is it a heavily debated topic?

The New York Times

Yet the neural computations that represent the envelope, and their linguistic implications, are heavily debated.

University of California, Berkeley

The "proton sponge " hypothesis remains the most generally accepted mechanism, although it is heavily debated.

Molecular Therapy

The outcome of institutional youth care for children is heavily debated.

Children and Youth Services Review

The environmental impact of the early human inhabitants of Madagascar remains heavily debated.

Quaternary Science Reviews

The magnitude of cardiomyocyte generation in the adult heart has been heavily debated.

Cell

It is one of the most heavily debated topics among the best N.B.A. minds.

The New York Times

This has been heavily debated since the beginning of the controversy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Effects of cannabis, the most commonly encountered non-alcohol drug in driving under the influence cases, are heavily debated.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Whether certain genotypes of S. aureus are more prone to colonise and/or infect humans is still quite heavily debated.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavily debated", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific points of contention or differing perspectives. Providing some insight into the nature of the debate can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "heavily debated" as a generic label. Instead, specify why the topic is debated and what the main arguments are. This adds depth and relevance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavily debated" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often 'topic', 'issue', or a similar term). It indicates that the subject in question is one that has been the subject of considerable discussion and disagreement. Ludwig provides examples where "heavily debated" is used to describe various issues across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

37%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavily debated" is a versatile phrase used to describe topics characterized by significant discussion and disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's common across diverse fields like science, news, and academia, signaling that an issue is not settled and requires careful consideration. To enhance clarity, it's important to provide context on why a topic is "heavily debated". Alternatives include "widely discussed" and "subject to vigorous debate", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to vigorous debate

Similar to the original phrase, with "vigorous" highlighting the lively and energetic nature of the debate.

subject of intense debate

Rephrases the idea with a noun-focused structure, highlighting the debate itself.

extensively argued

Similar to 'heavily debated', focuses on the extensive nature of the arguments.

widely discussed

Changes the intensity of the debate to simply being widely talked about.

much discussed

Similar to 'widely discussed', it emphasizes the extent of discussion.

hotly contested

Indicates a more intense level of disagreement and active opposition.

subject of considerable argument

Emphasizes the presence of argument and differing opinions.

fiercely disputed

Highlights the strong opposition and disagreement surrounding the topic.

contentious issue

Shifts the focus to the issue itself, describing it as causing disagreement.

a matter of great controversy

Focuses on the controversial nature of the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "heavily debated" to describe a topic with significant disagreement and discussion. For instance, "The effectiveness of the new policy is a "subject of intense debate"".

What are some alternatives to saying "heavily debated"?

You can use alternatives like "widely discussed", "hotly contested", or "subject to vigorous debate" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "heavily debated topic"?

While "topic" is often implied, it's not necessarily redundant. Using "heavily debated topic" can provide emphasis and clarity, especially when introducing a discussion about the subject.

What's the difference between "heavily debated" and "controversial"?

"Heavily debated" focuses on the extent of the discussion and argument, while "controversial" emphasizes the divisive nature of the topic. A topic can be heavily debated without being particularly controversial, and vice versa.