a matter of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'a matter of debate' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something is open to interpretation and discussion. For example: The use of genetically modified crops is a matter of debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a matter of debate.

Independent

This claim is a matter of debate.

The Economist

Why is still a matter of debate.

The New York Times - Science

Surgical treatment remains a matter of debate.

Fertility and Sterility

This is a matter of debate.

Yale University

That's a matter of debate, of course.

The Washington Post

Perhaps – it's a matter of debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

How much is a matter of debate.

The New York Times

Quite why is a matter of debate.

The Guardian - Music

Quantification of venous reflux is still a matter of debate.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

The ideal choice of anastomosis remains a matter of debate.

The American Journal of Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of debate" to introduce a topic where different viewpoints exist, encouraging critical thinking and discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of debate" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "subject to interpretation" or "open to question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of debate" functions as a predicative nominal, identifying a subject as something that is open to discussion or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a matter of debate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to indicate that a topic is open to discussion and differing opinions. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and is suitable for neutral to formal registers. While versatile, avoid overuse by employing synonyms such as "subject to debate" or "open to question". By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate the presence of multiple viewpoints on a given issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to debate

Replaces "a matter" with "subject to", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

open to question

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of definitive answer, similar to something being debated.

up for discussion

Emphasizes the availability for discussion and consideration.

a contentious issue

Highlights the controversial nature of the topic, implying debate and disagreement.

a disputed point

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding a specific detail or aspect.

subject to interpretation

Highlights that the topic may have multiple and different views.

a controversial topic

Indicates a high likelihood of disagreement and debate due to differing viewpoints.

under consideration

Suggests a more formal review and discussion process.

an unsettled question

Emphasizes that the topic lacks a definitive resolution and is likely to be debated.

a moot point

Suggests that the practical significance of the issue is questionable, yet debate continues.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of debate" in a sentence?

Use "a matter of debate" to introduce a topic that has different opinions or viewpoints. For instance, "Whether or not artificial intelligence will replace human workers is "a matter of debate"".

What are some alternatives to "a matter of debate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "subject to debate", "open to question", or "a contentious issue". These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a matter of debate"?

Yes, the phrase "a matter of debate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate that something is subject to discussion and disagreement.

What is the difference between "a matter of debate" and "a matter of opinion"?

"A matter of debate" implies that there are arguments and evidence on both sides of an issue, while "a matter of opinion" suggests that the issue is based on personal feelings or beliefs, with less emphasis on factual arguments.