spirited discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spirited discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a conversation or debate that is energetic, passionate, and lively. For example, "The town hall meeting was filled with a spirited discussion about the proposed new zoning laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was on, we were discussing torture, back and forth, very spirited discussion, very enjoyable.

Huffington Post

That often makes for the most spirited discussion.

The New York Times

He has seen spirited discussion cut too short, too often.

The New York Times

They had a spirited discussion about the impact of Pussy Riot.

The New York Times - Arts

Those that attended, Mr. Kerry later said, engaged in a "very, very spirited" discussion.

The New York Times

His Hall of Fame qualifications have been the subject of spirited discussion for many years.

The New York Times

Come what may, ECS has prompted spirited discussion of its ideas.

The Economist

(I had read some spirited discussion in Etsy's forums about the definition of "mass produced").

The New York Times - Magazine

And then he got into a loud, spirited discussion with the hostess.

The New York Times

This is a call to begin a spirited discussion centering on such real healthcare reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sorkin's column, with its blunt tone, led to a spirited discussion in the newsroom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spirited discussion" to describe situations where participants are actively engaged and passionate about the topic at hand. It implies more than just a simple conversation; it suggests a lively exchange of ideas.

Common error

While "spirited discussion" is widely applicable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like 'debate' or 'analysis' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spirited discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'spirited' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'discussion'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The adjective enhances the noun, indicating the quality or characteristic of the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spirited discussion" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes an exchange of ideas marked by enthusiasm and active engagement. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it denotes a conversation that is more than just a simple exchange but involves lively participation. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in extremely formal academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "lively debate" or "vigorous exchange" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lively debate

Replaces 'discussion' with 'debate', implying a more formal and potentially argumentative exchange. Keeps the sense of enthusiasm.

vigorous exchange

Emphasizes the energy and intensity of the interaction, using 'vigorous' to highlight the active engagement.

animated conversation

Focuses on the liveliness and expressiveness of the conversation, highlighting the engaging nature of the exchange.

enthusiastic dialogue

Highlights the positive and eager nature of the interaction, using 'enthusiastic' to emphasize the positive sentiment.

intense debate

Stresses the seriousness and depth of the discussion, shifting the focus to the gravity of the topic.

passionate exchange

Emphasizes the strong feelings and emotions involved in the interaction, focusing on the emotional investment of the participants.

fiery argument

Implies a more contentious and heated exchange, with 'fiery' suggesting strong disagreement and emotion.

dynamic interaction

Focuses on the changing and evolving nature of the conversation, highlighting the active participation of all involved.

robust debate

Highlights the thoroughness and strength of the discussion, suggesting a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

heated discussion

Indicates a discussion filled with strong emotions and potential conflict, emphasizing the intensity of the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The proposal sparked a "spirited discussion" among the committee members", indicating an engaging and lively debate.

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

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "lively debate", "vigorous exchange", or "animated conversation".

Is "spirited discussion" formal or informal?

The term "spirited discussion" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it leans towards being less formal than terms like 'deliberation' or 'analysis'.

What's the difference between "spirited discussion" and "heated argument"?

"Spirited discussion" implies active engagement and enthusiasm, while "heated argument" suggests strong disagreement and potential conflict. The former is generally more positive and constructive than the latter.