an active debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an active debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or argument that is currently ongoing and involves multiple participants expressing differing viewpoints. Example: "The topic of climate change has sparked an active debate among scientists, policymakers, and the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

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 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

We intend to start an active debate that will be followed up by a series of other interventions, from within football and from within the LGBT community".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Lewis is an active debating coach, having coached the Hong Kong national team in 2006, the United Arab Emirates national team in 2010 and 2011 and the England national schools debating team.

The Guardian

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

One top Gore adviser described the internal debate: "There was a very active debate in the campaign between those who wanted a more sweeping health-care proposal -- those who frankly had lived with the ghost of Harris Wofford and Bob Kerrey, who had ridden it with incredible political power and momentum -- and those on the policy staff who said we should be more incremental".

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

One of the things we failed to do was to get a really active debate going about the shape and nature of the state.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an active debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject being debated and the participants involved for clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "an active debate" as filler. Ensure there's actual evidence of a genuine and evolving discussion, not just a potential or superficial disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an active debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of ongoing discussion or disagreement on a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an active debate" is a commonly used phrase that describes a current and ongoing discussion or disagreement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "a lively discussion" or "a vigorous argument" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear, and avoid overuse without substantial evidence of a genuine discussion. The phrase serves to inform the audience that a topic is currently being discussed and that differing opinions exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lively discussion

Replaces "debate" with "discussion", implying a less formal exchange of ideas.

a vigorous argument

Substitutes "debate" with "argument", suggesting a more contentious exchange.

an ongoing controversy

Replaces "debate" with "controversy", emphasizing disagreement and public attention.

a heated dispute

Emphasizes the intensity of the disagreement with the word "heated" and replaces debate with dispute.

a spirited discussion

Replaces "active" with "spirited", suggesting enthusiasm and energy in the conversation.

a contentious issue

Shifts the focus from the debate itself to the subject being debated, describing it as "contentious".

a current disagreement

Offers a more neutral alternative, focusing on the presence of disagreement.

a developing discussion

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the discussion.

a live discussion

Highlights the immediacy and real-time nature of the discussion.

a dynamic exchange of views

Replaces "debate" with a more elaborate description of the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "an active debate" to describe a situation where there is a current and ongoing discussion. For example, "There is "an active debate" about the effectiveness of the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "an active debate"?

Alternatives to "an active debate" include "a lively discussion", "a vigorous argument", or "an ongoing controversy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "an active debate"?

While the term "debate" inherently implies some level of activity, using "an active debate" can emphasize that the discussion is currently ongoing and engaging multiple participants. It is not strictly redundant but use it judiciously.

What is the difference between "an active debate" and "a settled debate"?

"An active debate" refers to a discussion that is currently in progress with differing opinions being voiced. "A settled debate" implies that the discussion has concluded, and a consensus or resolution has been reached.