spirited arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

"spirited arguments" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe lively, passionate, or vigorous discussions or debates. Example: "The team engaged in spirited arguments about the best approach to the project." Alternative expressions include "animated debates" and "vibrant discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Any list that purports to be definitive on a given subject will automatically provoke spirited arguments among those with good reason to care.

The Guardian - Books

The wallpaper we had picked for the downstairs powder room — the source of some spirited arguments, as I recall — also had survived.

The New York Times

While there were spirited arguments, pro and con, about the likely value of some the questions posed by the marriage experts interviewed for the article, some saw value in the process.

The New York Times

In spirited arguments yesterday before the appeals court, lawyers for Mr. Awadallah defended Judge Scheindlin's ruling, while the United States attorney in Manhattan, James B. Comey, argued that "there is no doubt as to what Congress intended".

The New York Times

Whether such bans violate the First Amendment was the subject of spirited arguments this week in the Supreme Court, where justices examined Minnesota's rules prohibiting judicial candidates from stating their views on "disputed legal or political issues".

The New York Times

But even less-costly remedies such as building new storage facilities and control mechanisms that would work together to make peak flows more manageable would still be pricey, though exactly how much is the theme of spirited arguments between Republicans and the Democratic mayor (the first Democrat to hold that post in a generation).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And Ms. Makarova offers a spirited argument for why not.

The New York Times - Arts

In its filing last week, the Justice Department made a spirited argument for direct appeal.

The New York Times

Instead, he roared through Northern California, making a more spirited argument for his vice president than Mr. Gore sometimes makes for himself.

The New York Times

I arrived in that state of ignorance, and was edified by a spirited argument among three of Caruso's followers about his place in their native tradition.

The New York Times

Louis and I don't crash until four, following a spirited argument about free will and half of "Norbit" on Starz.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spirited arguments" to describe situations where disagreements are energetic and passionate, but not necessarily hostile. It implies a level of engagement and intellectual vigor.

Common error

Avoid using "spirited arguments" when the situation involves personal attacks or a breakdown of respectful communication. The phrase suggests enthusiasm and engagement, not animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spirited arguments" functions as a noun phrase, where "spirited" modifies the noun "arguments". It describes the quality or nature of the arguments, indicating they are lively and energetic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of the phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spirited arguments" describes lively, energetic, and passionate debates or disagreements. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. It is suitable for neutral registers, indicating engagement and intellectual vigor without necessarily implying hostility. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the enthusiastic nature of the discussion, and avoid it when the situation involves animosity or disrespect. Alternatives like "vigorous debates" or "lively discussions" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vigorous debates

Emphasizes the energy and intensity of the debates.

passionate debates

Underscores the emotional investment and conviction involved.

lively discussions

Highlights the animated and engaging nature of the discussions.

animated disputes

Highlights the lively and energetic nature of the conflicts.

robust discussions

Emphasizes the thorough and vigorous examination of different viewpoints.

heated exchanges

Focuses on the potentially intense and emotional nature of the interactions.

fierce contentions

Implies a strong and determined opposition between parties.

intense disagreements

Stresses the strong opposition and conflict present.

energetic altercations

Focuses on the active and forceful nature of the disagreements.

vigorous disputations

Highlights the intensity and thoroughness of the debates.

FAQs

How can I use "spirited arguments" in a sentence?

"Spirited arguments" are used to describe lively and passionate debates. For example: "The proposal led to "spirited arguments" among the committee members."

What's a good alternative to "spirited arguments"?

Alternatives include "vigorous debates", "lively discussions", or "passionate debates", depending on the specific context.

Are "spirited arguments" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "spirited arguments" involve disagreement, they can also be seen as a sign of engagement and intellectual curiosity, indicating that people care deeply about the topic at hand.

What distinguishes "spirited arguments" from a simple discussion?

A discussion is generally a more neutral exchange of ideas, while "spirited arguments" imply a more passionate and potentially contentious exchange, suggesting a greater degree of disagreement and investment from the participants.