an ongoing argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dispute or discussion that is currently happening and has not yet been resolved. Example: "The scientists are engaged in an ongoing argument about the effects of climate change on marine life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's been an ongoing argument since it happened.

The Guardian

"This is an ongoing argument," Mr. Louie said, "a big debate right now in government".

The New York Times

- MRWINNER London is surrounded by three international airports and there is an ongoing argument that says that's not enough!!

The Guardian

There's an ongoing argument in the technology world about whether tablets and smartphones are more focused on consumption than creativity.

The Guardian - Tech

There is an ongoing argument about whether games can be considered as literature, and this one presents by far the most compelling case yet for "yes".

The Guardian - Tech

In addition, there is an ongoing argument over what a "freeze" would mean; some experts believe it implies an eventual evacuation of the settlements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The emergence of the American constitutional law tradition, then, is the story of an ongoing debate, an endless argument over, among other things, what constitutional law is about.

Duke University

If you have a messy desk, ongoing argument with a friend, or an overwhelming amount of work to do, it could be stressing you out and making you more tired than you normally would be.

WikiHow

And so the Michael Brown debate became a proxy for our ongoing argument about race: where some seek to expose what America is doing to black communities, others insist that the real problem is what black communities are doing to themselves.

The New Yorker

Wikipedia recently fared quite well in a head-to-head against the Encyclopaedia Britannica, but it is inevitable that such an enterprise contains errors (The original comparison was carried out by Nature, and a discussion of the ongoing argument between them and Britannica may be viewed on the Nature website) [22].

Chemistry Central Journal

It's my ongoing argument with a whole part of the women's movement".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing argument" to describe a situation where there are clearly defined opposing sides and the disagreement is expected to continue for some time. It's appropriate when the debate is not just a fleeting disagreement but a sustained difference of opinion.

Common error

While "an ongoing argument" is acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "protracted debate" or "unresolved conflict" to add a layer of sophistication and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing argument" functions as a noun phrase, where 'ongoing' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'argument'. It identifies a specific type of argument that is characterized by its continuous nature. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing argument" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively describes a continuing dispute or debate. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in "News & Media" contexts, with significant presence in Science and Wiki. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic settings. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can confidently and accurately employ "an ongoing argument" to convey the persistence of a disagreement. It's important to remember that while "an ongoing argument" is widely used, there are many semantically close alternatives available, like ""a continuing dispute"" or ""a persistent debate"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing dispute

Focuses on the element of disagreement that persists over time.

a persistent debate

Highlights the formal and sustained nature of the discussion.

an unresolved conflict

Emphasizes the lack of resolution in the differing viewpoints.

a protracted disagreement

Stresses the length and drawn-out nature of the difference in opinion.

a standing controversy

Suggests the argument is well-established and widely recognized.

a perennial contention

Implies the argument recurs regularly and is almost inherent.

a chronic debate

Highlights the recurring and long-lasting nature of the discussion.

an unceasing quarrel

Emphasizes the relentless and often personal nature of the argument.

a never-ending dispute

Highlights the seemingly permanent nature of the disagreement.

a continuous wrangle

Focuses on the contentious and often petty nature of the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing argument" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing argument" to describe a continuous disagreement or debate, as in, "There is "an ongoing argument" about the best way to address climate change".

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing argument"?

Alternatives include "a continuing dispute", "a persistent debate", or "an unresolved conflict", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "an ongoing debate" instead of "an ongoing argument"?

Yes, "an ongoing debate" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. "Argument" often implies a stronger level of disagreement or contention than "debate".

What's the difference between "an ongoing argument" and "a simple disagreement"?

"An ongoing argument" suggests a prolonged and possibly complex difference of opinion, while "a simple disagreement" implies a less intense and easily resolvable difference.