"has aroused much debate" vs "has aroused many debates"

Question

"has aroused much debate" vs "has aroused many debates"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Has aroused much debate' is used when referring to a single ongoing debate or discussion, while 'has aroused many debates' is used when talking about multiple separate debates or discussions. The choice between 'much' and 'many' depends on whether the debates are seen as a collective whole or as individual events.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to a single ongoing debate or discussion. 'Much' is used to indicate a large amount of debate as a collective whole.

Examples:

The controversial decision has aroused much debate among the members of the committee.
The new policy has aroused much debate in the community.

Alternatives:

has sparked a lot of debate
has generated considerable discussion
has stirred up a heated argument
has provoked intense controversy
has triggered a lively debate

This phrase is used when talking about multiple separate debates or discussions. 'Many' is used to indicate individual events of debate.

Examples:

The controversial decision has aroused many debates among different groups.
The issue has aroused many debates in various academic circles.

Alternatives:

has sparked numerous debates
has triggered multiple discussions
has led to several arguments
has initiated various debates
has prompted a number of discussions

Answer 1

has aroused much debate

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

has aroused many debates

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"has aroused much debate" vs "has aroused many debates"

has aroused much debate

has aroused many debates

Related Comparisons