an unresolved debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unresolved debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that has not been settled or agreed upon by those involved. Example: "The climate change policy remains an unresolved debate among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It is an unresolved debate, because neither approach was given much of a trial.

The New York Times

But their accounts have stirred an unresolved debate about their credibility.

The New York Times

Why, they ask, should this war crimes court be turned into a venue for an unresolved debate over academic definitions?

The New York Times

Administration officials cited an unresolved debate over electronic cigarettes as a reason for scrapping the display ban.

The New York Times

Kabhi Kabhie and Silsila represent the pinnacle of the golden era of playback singers, though choosing which is the best soundtrack remains an unresolved debate.

The Guardian - Film

There is an unresolved debate about how much Romney's Mormonism has contributed to the discomfort many conservatives seem to have with him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But were they to topple him, they would soon be at odds with one another over a longstanding, unresolved debate that has haunted Sudan from its founding: the proper relationship between Islam and the Sudanese state.

The New York Times

Argentina's humiliating defeat in the three-month war that resulted led within a year to the collapse of the military dictatorship, the restoration of democracy and the start of a still unresolved debate over how to punish those guilty of the widespread and systematic human rights abuses that characterized the period.

The New York Times

The tree impasse may not make it on any European security agenda, but the intense discussions here -- about the rising anti-base sentiments; about the loss of quality of life because of some distant threat -- reflect a broader unresolved debate in Europe.

The New York Times

What's happening here is central to a contentious, unresolved debate about ownership on the internet.

Vice

There is an ongoing and unresolved debate about the discovery or creation of opportunities (see, e.g., Suddaby et al. 2015).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unresolved debate", ensure the context clearly indicates what the debate is about and why it remains unresolved. Provide sufficient background information for the reader to understand the complexities of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "an unresolved debate" without clearly identifying the subject of the debate. Ensure that the reader understands precisely what issue is being discussed and what the different viewpoints are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unresolved debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific discussion or disagreement that remains without a consensus or conclusion. This aligns with Ludwig's observation that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unresolved debate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively describes a topic under discussion without a clear consensus. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility and widespread application. When using this phrase, specificity is key to ensure the audience understands the subject and scope of the debate. Alternatives such as "an unsettled controversy" or "an ongoing discussion" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. The linguistic analysis shows its function as a noun phrase that indicates lack of agreement, providing valuable insights into its grammatical role and effective usage. The prevalence of examples from authoritative sources reinforces its credibility and proper application in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unsettled issue

Highlights the lack of resolution and the continued existence of the problem or question.

an unsettled controversy

Focuses more on the contentious nature of the issue, implying strong disagreement and potential conflict.

a lingering question

Emphasizes the persistent nature of the question, suggesting it has been around for some time without a solution.

a pending resolution

Emphasizes the anticipation of a future decision or agreement that has not yet occurred.

a contested topic

Highlights the disputed and challenged nature of the topic, emphasizing disagreement and opposition.

an ongoing discussion

Highlights the continuous nature of the exchange, suggesting that the topic is still being actively considered.

a point of contention

Pinpoints the specific aspect or detail where disagreement exists.

an open question

Suggests that the issue is still subject to inquiry and exploration, without a definitive answer.

a matter of dispute

Implies a formal disagreement or argument, often involving conflicting claims or perspectives.

a topic of debate

Simply states that the matter is being discussed, without necessarily implying a lack of resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unresolved debate" to refer to a topic or issue that is still being discussed and has not been settled. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy remains "an unresolved debate" among economists".

What's the difference between "an unresolved debate" and "a settled issue"?

"An unresolved debate" refers to a topic where opinions differ and no consensus has been reached, whereas "a settled issue" indicates that an agreement or conclusion has been established.

Are there synonyms for "an unresolved debate" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "an unsettled controversy", "an ongoing discussion", or "a point of contention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a debate "unresolved"?

A debate is considered "unresolved" when there is no general agreement or conclusion on the matter being discussed, often due to conflicting evidence, differing interpretations, or fundamental disagreements among the parties involved.