a debate about

USAGE SUMMARY

"a debate about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a discussion, such as "The class had a debate about the morality of cloning".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make this a debate about values.

The New York Times

There is a debate about this rhetoric.

The New York Times

"There is always a debate about drugs.

Independent

A debate about "capitalism" has flared lately.

Independent

In D.C., a debate about democracy.

The Washington Post

Neither is it a debate about treehouses.

The Washington Post

This is a debate about human dignity".

The New York Times

This is not a debate about abortion.

The New York Times

"It was a debate about 'ladettes'ladettes

The Guardian

Was there a debate about her going?

The Guardian - Books

So let there be a debate about it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a debate about", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject being debated. For example, specify "a debate about climate change" rather than just "a debate".

Common error

Avoid using "a debate about" without specifying the topic of the debate. This can lead to vagueness and confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a debate about" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the subject of a discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it connecting to various topics, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a debate about" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to introduce a topic of discussion or argument. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. Its function is to set the stage for exploring different perspectives on a given subject. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal in register, ensure that the topic of the debate is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Consider using related phrases like "a discussion concerning" or "a controversy surrounding" for nuanced expression. Common mistakes include omitting the subject of the debate, which can lead to vagueness. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and clearly communicate the existence and nature of a debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discussion concerning

Replaces "debate" with the more neutral term "discussion" and "about" with "concerning", altering the nuance from conflict to general conversation.

a controversy surrounding

Substitutes "debate" with "controversy" emphasizing the contentious nature of the topic and "about" with "surrounding" to indicate context.

a dispute regarding

Uses "dispute" instead of "debate" suggesting a more formal or intense disagreement and "regarding" instead of "about".

an argument over

Employs "argument" to highlight the confrontational aspect and "over" to specify the subject of the disagreement.

a deliberation on

Replaces "debate" with "deliberation" focusing on the thoughtful consideration of the issue and "about" with "on".

a discourse on

Uses "discourse" instead of "debate," indicating a more structured and formal discussion and "on" to refer the topic.

a conversation concerning

Emphasizes a more informal exchange by using "conversation" instead of "debate" and "concerning" instead of "about".

a consideration of

Replaces "debate" with "consideration", downplaying the disagreement aspect and focusing on thoughtful evaluation of the topic. Also, replaces "about" with "of".

a questioning of

Emphasizes the act of questioning or doubting something by using "questioning" and replaces "about" with "of".

differing opinions on

Focuses on the variance in viewpoints rather than the debate itself and replaces "about" with "on".

FAQs

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

You can use "a debate about" to introduce a topic that is being discussed or argued. For example, "There is "a debate about" the effectiveness of the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "a debate about"?

Some alternatives include "a discussion regarding", "a controversy surrounding", or "a dispute over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a debate on" instead of "a debate about"?

While "a debate on" is sometimes used, ""a debate about"" is generally considered more common and natural in contemporary English.

How does "a debate about" differ from "a discussion about"?

"A debate about" implies a more structured and potentially contentious exchange of opposing viewpoints, while "a discussion about" suggests a more general and collaborative exploration of a topic.