thorough debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion that is comprehensive and detailed, covering all aspects of a topic. Example: "The committee held a thorough debate on the proposed policy changes before reaching a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"If this was such a good idea, they would have vetted it with a thorough debate".

The New York Times - Sports

Labour needs a thorough debate about voting reform now that the referendum moment is announced.

The Guardian - Opinion

Partly for that reason, many Democrats are calling for a slow and thorough debate on tax cutting.

The New York Times

"I think in general we need to have a more thorough debate," she said in a telephone interview, "and it should be open to the public".

The New York Times

While our schools are ailing, it is imprudent to dismiss a proposal from an institution like Brookings without thorough debate and consideration on its merits.

The New York Times

Mr. Toohey said the growing use of security contractors deserves a thorough debate both in the United States and around the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

If intelligent and thorough debates are bulwarks of democracy, then such a debacle might be the most terrifying outcome of all.

Huffington Post

A big part of the problem with today's political discourse is that we do not have honest, thorough debates on the issues that educate and inform the voters.

Huffington Post

This is legislation worthy of a thorough public debate.

The New York Times

(2/2) http://t.co/2oHXgY8Cyu — Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) 11 Apr 13 In my opinion, this bill violates #2Amdt.That said, this is national issue and deserves a thorough Senate debate.

The New York Times

Is anybody else troubled by the undemocratic way in which local business leaders and elected officials practically commit a city to host the Olympics without first having a thorough public debate about whether it's a good idea?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thorough debate" when you want to emphasize that all aspects of a topic were discussed comprehensively and in detail before a decision was made.

Common error

Don't use "thorough debate" if the discussion was brief or lacked significant analysis. Ensure the context reflects a truly comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough debate" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies the noun "debate". It describes the quality of the debate, indicating it was comprehensive and detailed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thorough debate" effectively conveys the idea of a comprehensive and detailed discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, predominantly in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a detailed and exhaustive exploration of the subject. Alternatives such as "extensive discussion" or "in-depth analysis" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. In summary, "thorough debate" is a reliable phrase to indicate that a topic has been carefully considered from all angles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive discussion

Replaces "debate" with a broader term, focusing on the comprehensive nature of the exchange.

in-depth discussion

Similar to "extensive discussion" but emphasizing the depth of the conversation.

detailed deliberation

Emphasizes the careful and considered aspect of the discussion.

comprehensive analysis

Shifts focus to the analytical nature of the discussion.

rigorous examination

Highlights the strict and meticulous nature of the scrutiny.

exhaustive inquiry

Focuses on the completeness of the investigation.

full consideration

Emphasizes that all aspects are taken into account.

serious consideration

Highlights the gravity and importance given to the discussion.

careful review

Emphasizes the attention to detail and precision in the assessment.

open discussion

Emphasizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "thorough debate" to describe a comprehensive discussion, as in "The proposal underwent a "thorough debate" before being approved".

What are some alternatives to "thorough debate"?

Some alternatives include "extensive discussion", "in-depth analysis", or "rigorous examination" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very thorough debate"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "very thorough debate" can be redundant. The word "thorough" already implies completeness, so "thorough debate" is usually sufficient. Consider using alternatives like "extensive discussion" or "comprehensive analysis" for emphasis.

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

"Debate" often implies a formal argument with opposing viewpoints, while "discussion" is a broader term for any conversation about a topic. A "thorough debate" suggests a more structured and possibly contentious exchange than a "thorough discussion", which might be more collaborative.