lengthy debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'lengthy debate' is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a debate that is extended in duration. For example, "The lengthy debate over the health care policy lasted for almost two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That idea was rejected, however, after a lengthy debate, according to Ministry of Culture officials.

The New York Times

After a lengthy debate, the board agreed to provide a lump sum to Zell each year.

The New Yorker

After lengthy debate, Shermaine picked white sneakers with silver sparkles, marked down to $40.

The New York Times

In Kivalliq, interaction between patients and physicians is not characterized by lengthy debate.

The New York Times - Magazine

It now goes to the City Council, where a lengthy debate is expected.

The New York Times

A reading of State House and Senate transcripts often shows lengthy debate both heated and humorous.

The New York Times

DUP First Minister Peter Robinson was absent from today's lengthy debate after suffering a suspected heart attack yesterday.

Independent

The bill passed the Assembly after a lengthy debate, and the Senate quickly approved it later on Wednesday.

The New York Times

The agency has updated its recommended list of vaccines several times over the past 15 years, always after lengthy debate.

The New York Times

After a lengthy debate on the issue, David left and the rabbi laughed and said, 'That's Applebaum,' " Dr. Hirsch recalled.

The New York Times

His comments came in a lengthy debate which ended in peers rejecting the 42 day plan by 309 to 118.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or political scenarios, use "lengthy debate" to accurately illustrate the deep thought and consideration behind decisions.

Common error

Don't use "lengthy debate" if the discussion was simply time-consuming but lacked depth or conflicting viewpoints. A "long discussion" is more appropriate if the subject was simple but required more time to explain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy debate" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of a discussion, emphasizing its duration and complexity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy debate" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a discussion characterized by its extended duration and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe events, and it is frequently found in neutral contexts such as news articles and encyclopedic entries. While various synonyms exist, such as ""protracted discussion"" or ""extended deliberation"", the choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Remember to reserve the term "lengthy debate" for discussions that genuinely involve depth and contrasting viewpoints, and avoid using it merely to denote a time-consuming conversation. The term appears most frequently in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted discussion

Emphasizes the extended duration and potential tediousness of the discussion.

extended deliberation

Focuses on the careful and thorough consideration involved in the discussion.

long argument

Highlights the potential conflict and differing viewpoints within the discussion.

in-depth discussion

Indicates a thorough and detailed exploration of the topic.

detailed analysis

Focuses on the analytical aspect of the discussion.

thorough examination

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the discussion.

extensive consideration

Emphasizes the broad scope of factors taken into account.

drawn-out controversy

Suggests a contentious and prolonged dispute.

ongoing discussion

Indicates that the debate is still in progress and has not reached a conclusion.

sustained dialogue

Highlights the continuous and maintained nature of the conversation.

FAQs

What does "lengthy debate" mean?

A "lengthy debate" refers to a discussion or argument that takes a considerable amount of time, often involving various perspectives and detailed examination of the topic.

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

You might say, "After a "protracted discussion", the committee finally reached a decision" or "The proposal was subject to a "long argument" in Parliament".

What are some synonyms for "lengthy debate"?

Alternatives include "protracted discussion", "extended deliberation", or "long argument". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuances you want to convey.

What is the difference between "lengthy debate" and "brief discussion"?

The primary difference is the duration and depth of the conversation. A "lengthy debate" indicates a substantial time investment and thorough exploration, whereas a "brief discussion" suggests a short and less detailed conversation.