a debate going on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a debate going on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing discussion or argument about a particular topic or issue. Example: "There is a debate going on about the impact of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There's a debate going on below about the Gates Foundation.

The Guardian - Tech

The chancellor acknowledged that there was a "debate going on," about the best way for monetary policy to support recovery.

The Guardian - Business

As is frequently the case in Washington, there's a debate going on now between the two major political parties about the proper level of taxation, particularly when it comes to the rich.

Forbes

As she was bringing one version to Federal Express, for example, Ms. Smith said, there was a debate going on in Congress about whether to release the Starr Report.

The New York Times

"There is a debate going on.

Independent

But there is a debate going on.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Our sense is there is a great debate going on in Beijing right now, which is intense and divisive," one senior administration official said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

If there's one thing the reaction to the series makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And this was barely a decade after Stonewall, at a time when there was a public debate going on over whether gays should be allowed to teach in public schools," Mr. Lichter noted in an e-mail message.

The New York Times

"There's a broad debate going on about Commonwealth/state relations, which is a good thing".

The Guardian

"There's a surreal debate going on that if we don't do A, B or C there's a risk Europe will be like Japan," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a debate going on", ensure that the context clearly identifies the subject or topic under discussion. This helps provide clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a debate going on" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "discussion", "controversy", or "argument" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a debate going on" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes an ongoing activity or state of affairs, indicating that a discussion or argument is currently in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a debate going on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes an ongoing discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its frequent use in contexts such as News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. While the phrase is widely accepted, varying your language with synonyms like "discussion underway" or "controversy brewing" can enhance your writing. Remember to provide clear context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. The authoritative sources provided by Ludwig, like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate the widespread and reliable usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matters being debated

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes specific matters.

a discussion underway

Replaces "debate" with "discussion" suggesting a less formal or adversarial exchange.

a dispute unfolding

Highlights the unfolding or developing nature of the disagreement.

a deliberation ongoing

Suggests a more thoughtful and formal consideration of different perspectives.

a controversy brewing

Emphasizes the potential for conflict and heightened disagreement.

an argument in progress

Focuses on the active, often heated, nature of the disagreement.

points of contention

Focuses on specific points of disagreement within a broader discussion.

a contention arising

Highlights the emergence and existence of conflicting viewpoints.

issues under discussion

Shifts focus to the topics being discussed rather than the debate itself.

conflicting views present

Highlights the existence of differing opinions without necessarily implying active debate.

FAQs

How can I use "a debate going on" in a sentence?

You can use "a debate going on" to describe a current discussion or disagreement, like: "There's "a debate going on" about the new policy." You can also use similar phrases like "a discussion underway" or "a controversy brewing".

What's a more formal alternative to "a debate going on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a deliberation ongoing" or "matters being debated". These options convey a more serious and considered approach to the discussion.

What's the difference between "a debate going on" and "a discussion going on"?

While both refer to a conversation, "a debate going on" typically implies a more structured or contentious exchange of opposing viewpoints. "A discussion going on", on the other hand, suggests a more general and collaborative exchange of ideas.

What are some contexts where "a debate going on" is commonly used?

"A debate going on" is frequently used in news reports, academic analyses, and policy discussions to describe ongoing disagreements about significant issues. You might see it used in the context of political debates, scientific controversies, or social issues.