about the debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or subject matter related to a debate or discussion. Example: "The professor gave a lecture about the debate surrounding climate change policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But about the debate.

The New York Times

Tells about the debate over genetic influence.

The New Yorker

Tells about the debate in Congress.

The New Yorker

What do they know about the debate?

The New York Times

Nearly everything about the debate remains murky.

The New York Times

They were having a debate about the debate about the debate.

The New York Times

There is something curious about the debate gripping Washington.

The New York Times

Talk story about the debate over violence in the media.

The New Yorker

That's not going to tell us anything about the debate.

The Guardian

Details about the debate emerge in internal government documents.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Quietism about the 'debate' between realists and their opponents can take a number of forms.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about the debate", ensure the context clearly identifies which debate you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "about the presidential debate" or "about the climate change debate".

Common error

Avoid using "about the debate" without specifying which debate you are referring to. This can lead to confusion and weaken your communication. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the debate" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by providing information regarding a specific debate. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about the debate" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to introduce or specify a topic related to a particular debate. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality, particularly in professional writing. To ensure clarity, specifying which debate is referenced is crucial. Alternatives like "regarding the debate" and "concerning the debate" offer slight variations in tone. Ludwig also provides ample examples to showcase the phrase's diverse usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the debate

Changes the preposition to "regarding", maintaining the same meaning.

concerning the debate

Uses "concerning" instead of "about", offering a slightly more formal tone.

related to the debate

Replaces "about" with "related to", indicating a connection to the debate.

on the subject of the debate

Adds "on the subject of", providing a more explicit reference.

pertaining to the debate

Employs "pertaining to", offering a more formal alternative.

in relation to the debate

Uses "in relation to", indicating a connection or comparison.

with respect to the debate

Introduces "with respect to", often used to specify a particular aspect.

in connection with the debate

Specifies a link using "in connection with", suggesting a cause or association.

apropos of the debate

Uses "apropos of", indicating relevance or appropriateness.

vis-à-vis the debate

Employs "vis-à-vis", indicating a comparison or relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "about the debate" to introduce a topic related to a specific discussion. For example, "Let's talk about the debate surrounding healthcare reform."

What's a more formal alternative to "about the debate"?

A more formal alternative is "concerning the debate" or "regarding the debate", which provides a slightly elevated tone.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "about the debate"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "about the debate" might sound less formal. Consider rephrasing for a smoother flow. For example, instead of "About the debate, there are several key points", try "There are several key points "related to the debate"."

What are some phrases similar to "about the debate" for indicating relevance?

Alternatives include "pertaining to the debate", "in relation to the debate", or "with respect to the debate", each offering a nuanced way to connect a topic to the discussion.