are debatable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are debatable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics or opinions that are open to argument or disagreement. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy and its implications for the community are debatable among experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those choices are debatable.

Cornell University

Both claims are debatable.

The Economist

Those points are debatable.

The New York Times

These are debatable ideas.

The New York Times - Health

Which are debatable.

The New York Times - Arts

The actual benefits are debatable.

The Guardian - Sport

The obesity studies are debatable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the benefits of age are debatable.

The New York Times - Sports

As you say, administrative arrangements are debatable.

The New York Times

Whether such adjustments work are debatable.

The New York Times

The pros and cons of the trade pact are debatable.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are debatable", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects are open to discussion or disagreement. Provide specific points or examples to clarify the scope of the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "are debatable" when the matter is definitively incorrect or has been proven false. Reserve the phrase for genuine points of contention where reasonable arguments exist on both sides.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are debatable" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the subject is not settled and open to differing opinions. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used to express that various aspects or claims are subject to discussion and disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are debatable" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a topic or claim is open to discussion and disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "are arguable" or "are questionable" exist, "are debatable" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which aspects are being debated and avoid using it for matters that are definitively proven false.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are arguable

This alternative directly replaces "debatable" with a synonym, maintaining a high degree of interchangeability.

are disputable

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

are subject to debate

This alternative is a more formal variation of "are up for debate", suitable for professional settings.

are questionable

This alternative implies doubt and uncertainty, suggesting a stronger level of skepticism than "are debatable".

are up for debate

This alternative is a more informal and direct way of saying that something is open to debate.

are open to question

This alternative suggests that the matter is not settled and is still being considered.

are contentious

This alternative emphasizes the potential for disagreement and conflict surrounding the topic.

are a matter of opinion

This alternative highlights the subjective nature of the issue, suggesting that different viewpoints are possible.

are under discussion

This alternative focuses on the active process of debate rather than the inherent uncertainty.

invite discussion

This alternative focuses on the action of prompting conversation and deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "are debatable" in a sentence?

You can use "are debatable" to indicate that certain aspects of a topic are open to discussion or disagreement. For example, "The long-term effects of the policy "are debatable" among experts".

What are some alternatives to "are debatable"?

Alternatives include "are arguable", "are questionable", or "are contentious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are debatable" in formal writing?

Yes, "are debatable" is appropriate in formal writing. However, consider using more precise synonyms like "are disputable" or "are subject to debate" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "are debatable" and "are doubtful"?

"Are debatable" implies that there are arguments on both sides of an issue, while "are doubtful" suggests a stronger level of skepticism or disbelief. For example, the benefits of the treatment "are debatable" (meaning there's discussion), while the effectiveness of the treatment "are doubtful" (meaning it's likely ineffective).