raging debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raging debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heated or intense discussion on a particular topic, often involving strong opinions and emotions. Example: "The environmental policy has sparked a raging debate among lawmakers and activists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a raging debate.

The New Yorker

You have a raging debate about those plans.

The New York Times

The proposal ignited a raging debate in the Bush administration.

The New York Times

The raging debate around the newly published D.S.M.-5 unfortunately fuels stigmatizing of mental illness.

The New York Times

These findings are most relevant to Europe and its raging debate about labor rules.

The New York Times

The period's raging debate over slavery fractured political parties, paralyzed the national government and divided the nation.

Yale University

Amid a raging debate, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a "dwarf planet".

The Guardian

He tapped into the raging debate about the role of incendiary political speech without dwelling on it.

Independent

The release comes amid a raging debate in neighboring Brazil about its own period of military rule.

The New York Times

The report comes against the backdrop of a raging debate over civility and Donald Trump's polarizing approach to the presidency.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

John is unabashedly partisan in the still-raging debate over the quality of Ike's generalship.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raging debate" to describe a discussion where strong, opposing viewpoints are expressed forcefully and publicly. It's suitable when highlighting the intensity and potential for conflict within the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "raging debate" when a more neutral term like "discussion" or "conversation" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can exaggerate the situation and introduce unnecessary drama.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raging debate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "raging" acts as an adjective intensifying the noun "debate". Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability for describing heated discussions. This phrase often highlights the intensity and strong emotions associated with a particular disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raging debate" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression to describe a heated and intense discussion, often with strong opposing viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While it effectively conveys the intensity of a disagreement, it's important to avoid overusing it in neutral contexts where a more moderate term would be more appropriate. Related phrases like "fierce dispute" or "intense controversy" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce dispute

Emphasizes the intensity and potential animosity of the disagreement.

heated argument

Focuses on the emotional aspect and potential conflict within the discussion.

intense controversy

Highlights the widespread public disagreement and polarized opinions.

vigorous discussion

Suggests an energetic and active exchange of ideas, though not necessarily negative.

spirited debate

Similar to "vigorous discussion" but emphasizes enthusiasm and passion.

contentious issue

Shifts the focus to the topic itself being the source of disagreement.

major disagreement

Simplifies the phrase to a more general expression of dissent.

significant controversy

Highlights the importance and scale of the disagreement.

bitter dispute

Emphasizes the negative feelings and potential long-lasting impact of the disagreement.

acrimonious debate

Highlights the sharp and bitter nature of the disagreement.

FAQs

What does "raging debate" mean?

A "raging debate" refers to a discussion characterized by intense disagreement, strong opinions, and often public attention. It implies a heated and potentially contentious exchange of ideas.

What can I say instead of "raging debate"?

You can use alternatives like "fierce dispute", "heated argument", or "intense controversy" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "raging debate" in formal writing?

While "raging debate" is acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "significant controversy" or "vigorous discussion" may be more suitable.

How does a "raging debate" differ from a simple discussion?

A "raging debate" implies a much higher level of intensity and disagreement compared to a simple discussion. While a discussion can be a neutral exchange of ideas, a "raging debate" suggests strong, conflicting viewpoints and potentially heated exchanges.