an open debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an open debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or argument that is accessible to all participants and encourages free expression of ideas. Example: "The conference will feature an open debate on climate change policies, allowing experts and the public to share their views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's an open debate".

The Guardian

Did President Obama welcome an open debate at that time?

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Reid, for his part, assembled the full Senate for an open debate.

The New York Times

"It is such an open debate, and both of our careers aren't over," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Raúl Castro, who heads a collective leadership, has launched an "open debate" on economic reforms.

The Economist

Now, an open debate on the floor of the House is looming.

The New York Times

Yet if that is to happen there must be an open debate before the election.

The Economist

His call for an "open debate in our party" was the sound of one man punting.

The New Yorker

"Something could happen on these issues that hasn't really happened before, which is an open debate.

The New York Times

Why did the hospital deny the union's request for an open debate on the issues?

The New York Times

He added that the public "should be given an opportunity to hear an open debate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an open debate" when you want to emphasize that all viewpoints are welcome and encouraged. This phrase is suitable for contexts where inclusivity and transparency are important.

Common error

Avoid using "an open debate" when the discussion is actually restricted to a specific group or set of opinions. Ensure the context genuinely supports a free and inclusive exchange of ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an open debate" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes a discussion or argument accessible to all participants, encouraging free expression. It often acts as the subject or object of a verb, such as "sparked an open debate" or "host an open debate."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an open debate" is a widely used phrase denoting a discussion where all viewpoints are welcomed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, the phrase suggests a desire for transparency and inclusivity. When using this phrase, ensure the situation genuinely allows for a broad range of opinions. Alternatives include phrases such as "a public discussion" or "a free exchange of ideas". Be mindful of the scope of the discussion to accurately represent its openness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a public discussion

Focuses on the openness to the general public, emphasizing accessibility.

a free discussion

Highlights the unrestricted nature of the conversation.

a transparent exchange of views

Emphasizes clarity and visibility in the sharing of perspectives.

a public deliberation

Implies a more thoughtful and careful consideration by the public.

an unrestricted dialogue

Focuses on the absence of limitations on the conversation.

a no-holds-barred discussion

Indicates a discussion where any topic can be brought up.

a wide-ranging conversation

Suggests a discussion covering many different aspects of a topic.

a forum for discussion

Highlights the opportunity to exchange ideas in a structured way.

a candid exchange

Emphasizes the honesty and frankness of the discussion.

a frank exchange of views

Similar to "a candid exchange", stressing the forthright nature of shared perspectives.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The proposal sparked "an open debate" among the committee members", or "The university is hosting "an open debate" on the ethics of artificial intelligence".

What are some alternatives to "an open debate"?

Consider using phrases like "a public discussion", "a free exchange of ideas", or "a transparent dialogue" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "open discussion" or "an open debate"?

While both are grammatically correct, "an open debate" typically implies a more structured and potentially argumentative exchange, whereas "open discussion" suggests a broader, less formal conversation.

What is the difference between "an open debate" and "a closed debate"?

"An open debate" welcomes participation from anyone interested, promoting diverse perspectives. In contrast, "a closed debate" restricts participation to a select group, limiting the range of viewpoints considered.