intensely debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensely debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or issue that has been the subject of strong and passionate discussion or disagreement. Example: "The new policy on climate change has been intensely debated among lawmakers and environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain questions were unresolved and intensely debated.

The Guardian - Arts

The science of hurricanes and climate remains intensely debated.

The Washington Post

The position was intensely debated within Shell, sources said.

The Washington Post

This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability.

Frontiers of Architectural Research

Whether streaming has had any demonstrable effect on sales remains intensely debated, though.

The New York Times

The effect of piracy continues to be intensely debated in the entertainment industry.

The New York Times - Arts

This doctrine was frequently and intensely debated in Europe after the beginning of the 13th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Candidates have been intensely debated because the ministers will steer security for the country.

The New York Times

These reforms were intensely debated at the time and still divide many Catholics.

The New York Times

Given Trump's language of late, he said, the options are already being intensely debated in Tehran.

The New Yorker

Reports of methane detection in the Martian atmosphere have been intensely debated.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensely debated" to convey that a subject has not only been discussed, but also that strong, opposing viewpoints exist. It's more impactful than simply saying "discussed".

Common error

While "intensely debated" is valid, avoid stacking intensifiers (e.g., "very intensely debated"). Choose the most appropriate intensifier for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensely debated" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where 'intensely' modifies 'debated.' It typically acts as an adjective phrase describing a noun, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "an intensely debated topic."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

44%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intensely debated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe topics characterized by significant disagreement and strong, opposing viewpoints. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives such as "hotly contested" or "fiercely argued" can be used to add nuance, it's important to avoid overusing intensifiers. The phrase serves to signal the existence of strong, conflicting positions on a given subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hotly contested

Replaces "intensely debated" focusing on the emotional aspect and potential conflict.

fiercely argued

Emphasizes the strength and passion behind the arguments.

vigorously disputed

Emphasizes the energy and active opposition within the debate.

keenly discussed

Highlights the enthusiasm and interest in the discussion.

extensively discussed

Shifts focus to the depth and breadth of the discussion.

deeply analyzed

Focuses on thorough analysis and understanding.

heavily scrutinized

Focuses on the detailed examination and critical assessment involved.

widely questioned

Emphasizes the broad scope of doubt and uncertainty surrounding the subject.

earnestly considered

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the deliberation.

closely examined

Stresses the attention to detail in analyzing the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "intensely debated" to describe topics with strong, opposing views, such as, "The effects of social media on teenagers are "intensely debated" among psychologists".

What are some alternatives to "intensely debated"?

Alternatives include "hotly contested", "fiercely argued", or "keenly discussed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "intensely debate" instead of "intensely debated"?

While "intensely debate" can function as a verb phrase (e.g., "Scientists intensely debate the results"), "intensely debated" is the past participle form, often used as an adjective to describe a noun (e.g., "an intensely debated topic").

What makes a topic "intensely debated"?

A topic becomes "intensely debated" when there are significant disagreements and strong opinions from different sides, leading to passionate discussions and arguments.