intense debates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense debates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe discussions or arguments that are passionate, heated, or highly charged in nature. Example: "The conference featured intense debates on climate change policies that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This pressure for uniformity provoked intense debates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They engaged in intense debates on the financial crises, and became friends.

The New Yorker

There were intense debates about how various costs would be borne, which continue to resonate today.

The Economist

Still, the school has touched off intense debates among families about the nature of private-school education in New York.

The New York Times

But social media companies like Facebook also sit at the heart of intense debates over online privacy.

The New York Times

The serendipitous system led to intense debates about politics, sex, drugs and the very meaning of our existence.

The New York Times

Advisers said there had been intense debates in the White House about whether the president should go at all.

The New York Times

The transcript seems to contain no great surprises, but it sheds light on the intense debates as the war raged abroad.

The New York Times

But even as Beijing sticks close to its little Communist brother, there are intense debates within its leadership about whether the North is a strategic liability.

The New York Times

The causes of the war have provoked intense debates among historians and remain as unresolved today as during the war itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Subsequently, there have been intense debates and proposals regarding both the country's relationship with the United States and the scope of powers and duties of the governor-general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense debates", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject and participants involved. This provides clarity and emphasizes the significance of the discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "intense debates" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "heated arguments" or "vigorous discussions" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense debates" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it describes discussions characterized by strong feelings or disagreement. The examples show it is commonly used to describe disagreements on political or social topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intense debates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe discussions marked by strong disagreement and deeply held beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, and while versatile, it is advisable to avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "heated arguments" or "spirited discussions" to add variety to writing. When using "intense debates", clarity regarding the subject and participants is crucial to underscore the discussions significance. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, making it appropriate for a broad spectrum of written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated arguments

Suggests a higher level of emotion and potential conflict compared to "debates".

fierce arguments

Highlights the competitive and potentially aggressive nature of the discussions.

vigorous discussions

Emphasizes the energy and active participation in the discussion.

contentious discussions

Draws attention to the disagreement and potential for conflict within the discussions.

spirited discussions

Implies enthusiasm and passion in the exchange of ideas.

passionate exchanges

Highlights the strong emotional investment of participants.

lively controversies

Focuses on the engaging and dynamic nature of the disagreements.

robust dialogues

Emphasizes the thorough and comprehensive exploration of different perspectives.

serious deliberations

Emphasizes the gravity and thoughtfulness of the discussions, differing from the more active 'debate'.

critical examinations

Focuses on careful and thorough analysis of a subject but loses the "debate" connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense debates" to describe discussions that are passionate, heated, or highly charged. For example: "The proposal sparked "intense debates" among the committee members."

What can I say instead of "intense debates"?

Alternatives include "heated arguments", "vigorous discussions", or "spirited discussions", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "intense debates" or "intense discussion"?

"Intense debates" refers to multiple debates or a sustained period of debate, while "intense discussion" refers to a single, focused discussion. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "intense debates" and "fierce arguments"?

"Intense debates" suggests a formal or structured exchange of ideas, while "fierce arguments" implies a more confrontational and potentially hostile exchange.