active debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"active debate" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an engaging and energetic discussion on a particular topic or issue. For example: "The debate over the new tax law has resulted in an active debate among lawmakers today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The real risk is not active debate.

The Guardian

There is now, however, an active debate around what bathrooms we should be able to use.

The New Yorker

We encourage active debate, and you debate things for a set period of time.

The New York Times

Whether conventional journals are necessary in the internet age is a matter of active debate.

The Economist

Whether or not to levy the suspension was a very active debate.

The New York Times

It's already an active debate among the small number in the international environmental movement who feel compelled to fly.

The Guardian

Inside the administration, there is active debate over how much time is available to Mr. Bush for negotiations.

The New York Times

Dr. Utian of the Menopause Society said he was not surprised that an active debate seemed to be emerging.

The New York Times

The issue has already become subject of "an active debate" within the administration, one senior State Department official said.

The New York Times

The findings are likely to stimulate further an already active debate about whether hospitals and other medical centers should test all patients for MRSA upon admission.

The New York Times - Health

The loans are also likely to increase an active debate among groups interested in development over the best way to tackle AIDS.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "active debate" to signal that a topic is currently being discussed and considered from multiple angles. It implies more than just a discussion; it suggests a level of engagement and possibly disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "active debate" when referring to a simple exchange of ideas or a casual conversation. The phrase suggests a degree of contention or significance that might be inappropriate for less serious discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active debate" functions as a noun phrase, where "active" modifies the noun "debate". It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, indicating the existence of a current and dynamic discussion. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in various contexts to describe ongoing discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "active debate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies an ongoing and often vigorous discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, though it is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, consider the level of intensity you wish to convey, and be mindful not to use it in contexts where a simple discussion would be more appropriate. Alternatives such as ""lively discussion"" or ""heated argument"" may be more fitting depending on the specific nuance you aim to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lively discussion

Emphasizes the energy and enthusiasm of the discussion.

spirited discussion

Suggests a sense of enthusiasm and engagement among participants.

vigorous discussion

Stresses the strength and forcefulness of the exchange.

intense discussion

Underscores the depth and focus of the debate.

robust discussion

Emphasizes the thoroughness and depth of the discussion.

heated argument

Highlights the intensity and potential conflict within the debate.

dynamic exchange

Implies a vibrant and evolving interaction of ideas.

ongoing controversy

Focuses on the contentious nature and unresolved status of the issue.

fierce contention

Highlights the strong disagreement and potential conflict involved.

live dispute

Conveys the immediacy and ongoing nature of the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "active debate" to describe ongoing discussions around a specific topic. For example: "There is an active debate about the effects of social media on teenagers."

What are some alternatives to "active debate"?

Alternatives include "lively discussion", "heated argument", or "ongoing controversy", depending on the specific context.

Is "active debate" a formal or informal phrase?

"Active debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.

What's the difference between "active debate" and "general discussion"?

"Active debate" implies a more intense and potentially contentious exchange of ideas, while "general discussion" suggests a broader, less focused conversation.