hotly debated

USAGE SUMMARY

"hotly debated" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic that has been discussed with passion and intensity. For example: "The issue of abortion is still hotly debated today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Hotly debated).

The New York Times

Its methods are hotly debated.

The New York Times - Sports

Hotly debated on messageboards?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Its influence is hotly debated.

The Economist

The issue is hotly debated.

The Guardian

The importance of epigenetics is hotly debated.

The Economist

Even now these questions are hotly debated.

The Economist

His mistake is still hotly debated.

The New York Times - Sports

The subject is still hotly debated.

The Guardian - Books

It's an issue that's hotly debated.

The Guardian

Exactly when is being hotly debated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hotly debated", ensure the context provides enough information about the different sides of the argument to justify the strong adjective.

Common error

Avoid using "hotly debated" when the discussion is merely exploratory or informational, without significant disagreement. Reserve it for situations where there's genuine contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hotly debated" functions as an adverb-verb construction, where "hotly" modifies the verb "debated". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hotly debated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe topics characterized by strong disagreement and intense discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and effective way to convey the contentious nature of a subject. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase signals significant divergence of opinion. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the disagreement is genuine and evokes strong feelings. Alternatives such as "fiercely contested" or "keenly disputed" offer nuanced ways to express similar levels of contention. Remember to ensure sufficient context about the different sides of the argument is provided to justify the strength of the descriptor. Ludwig further provides various real-world examples of "hotly debated" from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controversially debated

Highlights the divisive nature of the debate.

fiercely contested

Emphasizes the intensity and competitiveness of the debate.

contentiously argued

Emphasizes the presence of conflict and disagreement.

vigorously argued

Highlights the energy and strength with which different viewpoints are presented.

heatedly discussed

Implies strong emotions and potential anger in the debate.

keenly disputed

Focuses on the sharpness and eagerness of the disagreement.

intensely challenged

Suggests a strong opposition and questioning of the subject.

widely questioned

Focuses on the broad skepticism and doubt surrounding the topic.

earnestly discussed

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the debate.

animatedly discussed

Emphasizes the lively and enthusiastic nature of the discussion.

FAQs

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

Use "hotly debated" to describe a topic characterized by strong disagreement and passionate discussion. For example: "The new economic policy is a "hotly debated" issue among economists".

What are some alternatives to "hotly debated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fiercely contested", "vigorously argued", or "controversially debated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "hotly debated" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a topic with significant disagreement. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids biased language. Alternatives like "widely questioned" may suit particularly sensitive contexts.

What makes a topic "hotly debated" versus simply "debated"?

A "hotly debated" topic involves strong emotions, significant disagreement, and often deeply held beliefs on different sides. The term "hotly" emphasizes the intensity and passion surrounding the debate, unlike a simple "debated" topic which may be discussed more calmly.