a continuing debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing discussion or argument about a particular topic that has not yet been resolved. Example: "The issue of climate change remains a continuing debate among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

ST: This is a continuing debate about my work.

The Guardian - Books

A continuing debate was in progress between the Old-Fashioned Futurists and the New Wave-icles.

The New Yorker

The new opinion clouds a continuing debate over whether women should have regular mammograms.

The New York Times

Although structured as a continuing debate, "Jesus" only rarely feels static.

The New York Times

The decision by this group clouds a continuing debate over whether women should have regular mammograms.

The New York Times

One could view these as losses in a continuing debate, but Pollitt's columns evoke a siege.

The New York Times - Books

Rather than being a historical snapshot, Monuments Should Not Be Trusted feels more like a continuing debate.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a continuing debate in the Muslim world, and every Islamic society has answered it in its own way.

The New York Times

For girls' soccer, it is a continuing debate on local fields, in athletic departments and even in the courts.

The New York Times

But face-saving details could still upset a deal, as could a continuing debate about education dollars.

The New York Times

The weekly Graham Star has been covering a continuing debate over a proposed $50 bounty on coyotes.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a continuing debate," briefly introduce the main points of contention to provide context for your audience and establish the stakes of the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "a continuing debate" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Variety in your language will maintain reader interest and prevent your text from sounding monotonous. Consider using synonyms such as "ongoing discussion" or "unresolved issue" to provide different nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing debate" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it introduces a topic characterized by ongoing discussion and differing viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continuing debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an ongoing discussion or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news media and scientific contexts, signaling a subject with multiple viewpoints and lacking a clear resolution. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, considering synonyms like "ongoing discussion" or "unresolved issue" to maintain variety. This ensures clarity and avoids redundancy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing discussion

Focuses on the process of discussion rather than the conflict.

a persistent argument

Emphasizes the contentious nature and duration of the disagreement.

an unresolved issue

Highlights the lack of a conclusion or solution to the matter.

an open question

Suggests that the matter is still subject to inquiry and consideration.

a protracted dispute

Implies a lengthy and often complex disagreement.

a standing controversy

Emphasizes the established and ongoing nature of the disagreement.

an endless discussion

Highlights the seemingly infinite duration of the discussion.

a perpetual disagreement

Suggests that the disagreement is likely to continue indefinitely.

a current controversy

Focuses on the present relevance of the disagreement.

an active discussion

Implies engagement and continued interest in the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a continuing debate" to refer to a topic where there is an ongoing disagreement or discussion. For example, "There is "a continuing debate" about the effectiveness of standardized testing".

What are some alternatives to "a continuing debate"?

Some alternatives include "an ongoing discussion", "a persistent argument", or "an unresolved issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a continuing debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "a continuing debate" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe an ongoing discussion or disagreement, as demonstrated by its use in news media and academic sources.

What is the difference between "a continuing debate" and "an ongoing discussion"?

"An ongoing discussion" generally implies a more neutral exchange of ideas, while "a continuing debate" suggests a more polarized or contentious exchange.