as a starting point for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a starting point for debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or idea that will be discussed or analyzed further in a debate or discussion. Example: "The proposal presented by the committee serves as a starting point for debate among the members regarding the future direction of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The aim of the MediaGuardian 100 is to give a snapshot of the industry's most important movers and shakers – some well known, others less so – and as a starting point for debate.

The Guardian

Chumley has told local media that he sees the amendment as a starting point for debate and that the proposal he co-sponsored may be adjusted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As much a starting point for debate as it is intended to be any sort of definitive list, the MediaGuardian 100 is now in its ninth year.

The Guardian

The MediaGuardian 100 is intended to be a starting point for debate.

The Guardian

General Keith Alexander, the four-star general who heads Cyber Command, is therefore right to welcome Russia's longstanding calls for a treaty as a "starting point for international debate".

The Economist

This is an example of how by using an umbrella body like the EMSSA and the Division of Emergency Medicine UCT/US, we can use the PIs identified in this study as a starting point for further debate and discussion.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Lawmakers have been clamoring for AUMF language from the White House for months, as a starting point for their debate on war authorization legislation.

Huffington Post

If this were a discussion on anti-Semitism or racism of any kind for that matter, we would not accept shallow and misleading terms as a starting point for the debate nor reject historical contexts.

Huffington Post

Our scenarios are designed to serve as a starting point for conversation and debate among academic researchers, industry practitioners, and government policymakers.

Huffington Post

We believe that the considerations and calculations presented here, and the questions raised, can serve as a starting point for stimulating future debate around these important issues.

Plosone

The results were taken as a starting point for a participatory debate with local stakeholders resulting in the formulation of recommendations concerning the desirable future response of the healthcare sector in Morocco to sexual violence against sub-Saharan migrants.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a starting point for debate" when introducing a proposal, idea, or set of data that is intended to be critically examined and discussed further, setting the stage for a structured deliberation.

Common error

Avoid using "as a starting point for debate" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "basis for discussion" or "springboard for discussion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a starting point for debate" functions as an introductory element, primarily setting the stage for further discussion or analysis. It signals that the identified item (e.g., proposal, concept, data) is not the final word, but rather an initial basis for critical examination. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts to initiate conversations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a starting point for debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively introduces a subject intended for further discussion and critical analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its utility across a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While the phrase is clear and appropriate, varying your language with alternatives such as "basis for discussion" or "springboard for discussion" can enrich your writing. Remember that this phrase is meant to open up a conversation and invite input, signaling that the presented topic is not a final conclusion but an initial proposal subject to scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis for discussion

Emphasizes the role of the subject as a foundation for conversation.

springboard for discussion

Highlights the subject's potential to initiate and propel a discussion forward.

foundation for dialogue

Stresses the importance of the subject as an underlying structure for constructive communication.

preliminary basis for deliberation

Implies the subject is a tentative starting point for careful and thorough consideration.

initial platform for discourse

Suggests the subject serves as a launching pad for structured and formal communication.

framework for debate

Focuses on the subject providing a structured approach to the debate

catalyst for discussion

Emphasizes the subject as an activator to start a discussion

agenda for discussion

Highlights the subject as a scheduled issue for consideration

premise for debate

Underlines the subject as an assumption to lead the debate

opening for discussion

Highlights the subject as the beginning opportunity of the discussion

FAQs

How can I use "as a starting point for debate" in a sentence?

You can use "as a starting point for debate" to introduce a topic or idea that will be discussed and analyzed further. For example, "The proposal presented by the committee serves as "a starting point for debate" among the members regarding the future direction of the project."

What are some alternatives to "as a starting point for debate"?

Alternatives include "basis for discussion", "springboard for discussion", or "foundation for dialogue", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as a starting point for debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a starting point for debate" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts where critical analysis and discussion are expected.

What's the difference between "as a starting point for debate" and "as a conclusion"?

"As a starting point for debate" introduces an idea meant for further examination, while "as a conclusion" indicates a final judgment or summary reached after deliberation. They serve opposite functions in an argument or discussion.