a debate in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a debate in progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing discussion or argument about a particular topic, indicating that the debate is currently taking place. Example: "The committee is currently holding a meeting, and there is a debate in progress regarding the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is a debate in progress - "Disabled People (Life Change)" it says on the LED board.

The Guardian - Books

There's already a debate in progress over whether to allow its use in states where it has been legalized.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Registered medicines and vaccines against ebolavirus infection are not available, but there is now a vigorous debate in progress surrounding the use of experimental treatments.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Yet the global climate system is enormously complex, and there is, in fact, a lively scientific debate in progress about the relationship between human-caused climate change (especially in the Arctic) and the increased frequency of extreme cold-weather events across the United States blizzards, bomb cyclones, and the dreaded wintry mix.

The New Yorker

But there is another, less hopeful possibility: that opponents of change will treat the present recovery as a sign that no further reforms are needed.Within the euro area a debate is in progress over whether the single currency itself encourages or discourages reforms.

The Economist

The debate in progress was ostensibly over a spending bill, and at press time, it looked like Democrats were trying to amend that bill to include a section that would make it illegal for terror suspects to buy guns.

Vice

Well, we know full well that the French elections will hinge on European issues, so how can a debate in this House, reviewing the progress achieved, saying what else can be improved and what absolutely must be improved, be detrimental to the elections in France?

EU Parlament

North Korean delegates also failed to attend a debate in Geneva Monday where the UN Human Rights Council investigator for the gulag state said any progress on security and denuclearization must be accompanied by progress on human rights issues by the regime.

Vice

Currently there is a debate in the field of nanotechnology about the evolving IP landscape and its impact on innovative progress based on technological discovery in the future.

World Patent Information

A debate in the White House broke out.

The New York Times

"We had a debate in Iowa.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a debate in progress" to clearly indicate that a discussion or argument is currently happening, rather than being planned or concluded. This clarifies the timing and active nature of the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "a debate in progress" to describe a debate that has already finished or is scheduled to occur in the future. This phrase is specifically for ongoing discussions. Use past or future tenses accordingly for debates that have concluded or are yet to begin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a debate in progress" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and describes the state of an ongoing discussion, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a debate in progress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an ongoing discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears across various contexts including news, science, and formal business settings. While neutral in tone, it leans slightly toward professional usage. Alternatives like "an ongoing debate" or "a current discussion" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to use the phrase to indicate a debate that is actively happening, and not one that is planned or completed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing debate

Focuses on the continuous nature of the debate, simplifying the original phrase.

a current discussion

Replaces "debate" with the more general term "discussion", indicating a less formal exchange.

a discussion underway

Similar to "an ongoing debate" but uses "underway" to emphasize the active state.

active deliberation

Emphasizes the careful and thoughtful consideration involved in the debate.

a live discussion

Highlights the immediacy and real-time nature of the debate, typically used for broadcasts or online events.

a developing argument

Suggests that the debate is still evolving and the points are not yet fully formed.

a running argument

Similar to 'an ongoing debate' but less formal.

a continuing controversy

Indicates that the debate involves strong disagreement and differing opinions.

a present contention

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the ongoing dispute.

matters under discussion

Frames the debate as a set of topics being actively considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a debate in progress" to describe an ongoing discussion or argument. For example, "The committee is currently holding a meeting, and there's "a debate in progress" regarding the new policy changes."

What are some alternatives to "a debate in progress"?

Alternatives include "an ongoing debate", "a current discussion", or "a discussion underway" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a debate is in progress" or "a debate in progress"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a debate is in progress" is more common and natural-sounding. The shorter phrase is often used as a noun phrase modifier, such as in the title of a meeting agenda.

How formal is the phrase "a debate in progress"?

The phrase "a debate in progress" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is slightly more common in formal settings such as academic or professional discussions.