widely debated

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely debated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been the subject of much discussion and disagreement. For example, "The potential effects of climate change have been widely debated in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bill was widely debated.

The Guardian - Opinion

IMF conditionalities have also been widely debated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The impact of IMF loans has been widely debated.

Britannica

The plight of the girls remains widely debated.

Independent

The comparative effectiveness of ureteral stents placed during ureteroscopy for urinary stone disease is widely debated.

Stanford University

This workshop seeks to bring a fresh, unique perspective to a complex and widely debated topic.

Harvard University

The economic consequences of activist hedge fund interventions are widely debated.

Columbia University

Shrouded in mystery, Kennedy's killing remains the most widely debated presidential assassination.

The New York Times

Cheap electricity is always invoked as the economic incentive, but that is widely debated.

The New Yorker

In 1994 he produced a widely debated PBS documentary, "Jihad in America".

The New York Times

The value of plastic partitions is as widely debated over domino games as the weather.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widely debated", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are being debated. Be specific about the points of contention rather than leaving it vague.

Common error

Avoid using "widely debated" as a filler phrase. If something is genuinely debated, provide some indication of the different viewpoints or why the debate exists. Do not use it to add emphasis without substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely debated" functions as a compound adjective that modifies a noun, describing something that is subject to extensive discussion and disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

42%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely debated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe topics characterized by significant discussion and disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It's prevalent across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia, signaling that an issue is unsettled and involves conflicting perspectives. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide context about the specific points of contention and avoid using it as a vague filler. Remember, alternatives like "extensively discussed" or "hotly contested" may offer more nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of debate

Similar to the original, but slightly more formal.

contentious issue

Highlights the controversial and conflict-ridden nature of the issue.

extensively discussed

Focuses on the breadth of the discussion rather than the disagreement.

matter of contention

Highlights that the topic is a source of disagreement.

hotly contested

Emphasizes the intensity of the disagreement.

much argued

A more direct and simple alternative, emphasizing the act of arguing.

subject to controversy

Highlights the controversial nature of the topic.

disputed topic

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the topic itself.

under scrutiny

Implies a critical examination and potential disagreement.

open to question

Suggests that the matter is not settled and remains uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "widely debated" in a sentence?

You can use "widely debated" to describe a topic that has been the subject of much discussion and disagreement. For example, "The effects of social media on mental health are "widely debated"."

What are some alternatives to "widely debated"?

Alternatives include "extensively discussed", "hotly contested", or "subject to controversy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "widely debated" or "widely discussed"?

"Widely debated" implies active disagreement and differing viewpoints, while "widely discussed" simply means a topic has received a lot of attention. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the conversation.

What makes an issue "widely debated"?

An issue becomes "widely debated" when there are significant disagreements, conflicting evidence, or strong opinions on multiple sides. It often involves complex topics with no easy answers.