a question of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open to differing opinions or interpretations. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy is a question of debate among the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

However, it is currently a question of debate as to whether members of Protodonata and the earliest Odonata had aquatic larvae, as do all modern species, since no Paleozoic larvae fossils are known.

University of California, Berkeley

It has been a question of debate whether immediate error corrections in speeded forced-choice reaction time tasks require an error detection signal from the performance monitoring system or whether they reflect delayed correct responses that are executed after the premature error like in a horserace.

Brain Research

Which action needs to be taken may sometimes be a question of debate.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Shilts never stated this in the book, instead writing, "Whether Gaetan Dugas actually was the person who brought AIDS to North America remains a question of debate and is ultimately unanswerable ... there's no doubt that Gaetan played a key role in spreading the new virus from one end of the United States to the other".

Wikipedia

Vasomotion is often enhanced in these pathophysiological states although it is still a question of debate whether CBF oscillations represent the last attempt of the cerebral circulation to prevent neuronal hypoxia or it is already the first sign of the already disrupted regulation.

Plosone

Whether it is possible or advisable to alter GPs beliefs is a question of debate.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

What exactly caused this change is a question of great debate.

The Guardian

Furthermore the Department of Health has painted itself into a corner and it is no longer a question of scientific debate – the subject has become too politicised by those who like to avoid U-turns at all costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the length of the cooling-off called for in the Mitchell report, which serves as the centerpiece of the administration's policy, was a question of intense debate.

The New York Times

Whether it matters who won out is of course a question of great debate.

Forbes

A question of continued debate is whether current higher education programs are adequately preparing graduates for the changes in the labor market (Giles and Drewes 2002).

Journal for Labour Market Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of debate", ensure the context clearly indicates differing viewpoints exist regarding the topic. Provide supporting evidence or contrasting perspectives to highlight the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of debate" when a topic has a clear consensus or established factual basis. This phrase is best suited for situations with genuine, unresolved disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a topic or issue that is subject to varying opinions or disagreements. The phrase indicates that there is no single, universally accepted answer or viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of debate" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to introduce topics with differing viewpoints. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts and serves to highlight the lack of a universally accepted answer. While not overly common, it is used in academic, scientific, and news-related writing. Related phrases, such as ""a matter of contention"" and ""an open question"", offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants a genuine debate and avoid oversimplifying complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of contention

Replaces "debate" with "contention", highlighting the potential for disagreement.

an open question

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the issue, implying further discussion is needed.

a subject of controversy

Emphasizes the controversial aspect of the topic.

a point of discussion

Highlights the need for further discussion to reach a consensus.

an unsettled issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution regarding the matter.

a contested topic

Highlights that the topic is disputed or challenged.

a moot point

Suggests the issue is no longer practically relevant or worth discussing.

a contentious subject

Similar to "a subject of controversy" but perhaps slightly stronger in its implication of discord.

a bone of contention

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe the source of disagreement.

a disputed matter

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

FAQs

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

Use "a question of debate" when introducing a topic that has multiple valid perspectives. For example: "Whether the new policy will be effective remains "a question of debate" among experts."

What phrases are similar to "a question of debate"?

Similar phrases include "a matter of contention", "an open question", or "a subject of controversy". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a question of debate" formal or informal?

The phrase "a question of debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

When should I avoid using "a question of debate"?

Avoid using "a question of debate" if the topic is definitively settled or has a proven, factual answer. The phrase implies that genuine disagreement or uncertainty exists.