intense debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"intense debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an argument or discussion in which people express strong opinions or emotions. For example, "The issue of immigration sparked an intense debate among the members of Congress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An intense debate ensued.

The Guardian - Opinion

Professor Pfeffer's report set off intense debate.

The New York Times

Pornography itself remains the subject of intense debate.

Independent

Literary culture continued to be a subject of intense debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The repayment terms remain the subject of intense debate.

The New York Times

Of course, police shootings here can still arouse intense debate.

Independent

The La Civilta Cattolica piece set off intense debate.

The Washington Post

White's comments have triggered intense debate in his ward.

The Washington Post

The report generated intense debate on Capitol Hill.

The Washington Post

The images went viral and sparked intense debate.

The Guardian

She refereed a sometimes intense debate about how to proceed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense debate" to accurately portray situations where strong opinions clash and arguments are passionately presented. It is especially effective in formal writing and news reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "intense debate" to describe minor disagreements or casual discussions. This phrase implies a significant level of conflict and importance, so using it inappropriately can weaken your writing and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation of strong disagreement or argument. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political discussions to scientific inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense debate" effectively conveys a scenario characterized by strong disagreements and impassioned arguments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase's frequent usage in News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its suitability for formal and professional contexts. To maintain precision, remember that "intense debate" signifies a higher level of conflict than a simple discussion. For similar expressions, consider "heated discussion", "vigorous argument", or "fierce controversy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated discussion

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the debate, implying strong feelings and possibly anger.

vigorous argument

Emphasizes the energy and forcefulness of the argument, suggesting active participation from all sides.

fierce controversy

Highlights the deep division and strong opposition surrounding the issue.

spirited dispute

Suggests a lively and engaging disagreement, often with a sense of intellectual challenge.

contentious issue

Shifts the focus to the subject of the debate, describing it as likely to cause disagreement.

passionate disagreement

Stresses the strong emotions and personal investment of the participants in the debate.

critical discussion

Implies a high-stakes discussion where the outcome is very important.

serious contention

Emphasizes the gravity and significance of the disagreement.

lively exchange of views

Focuses on the active and dynamic nature of the discussion, suggesting a wide range of opinions.

robust debate

Emphasizes the thoroughness and strength of the arguments presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense debate" to describe situations where there's a heated discussion with strong disagreements, such as: "The new policy sparked an "intense debate" among the board members."

What are some alternatives to "intense debate"?

Alternatives include "heated discussion", "vigorous argument", or "fierce controversy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "intense debate" or "heated argument"?

"Intense debate" suggests a more formal and structured disagreement, whereas "heated argument" implies a more emotional and potentially less organized exchange. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What kind of topics usually lead to an "intense debate"?

Topics that often lead to an "intense debate" include political issues, ethical dilemmas, and controversial social topics where people hold strong and conflicting beliefs.