basis for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'basis for debate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a topic in which there are opposing sides or perspectives, and you encourage further discussion or exploration of the issue. For example, "The issue of climate change is becoming a basis for debate around the world as more people become aware of the risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Kenny defended his proposal as a worthy basis for debate.

The New York Times

I don't even understand?'" But Romanek does not seem to believe that there is any basis for debate.

The Guardian - Music

A good common ground around the facts would help civil servants be able to point to what's happening as the basis for debate.

The Guardian

The purpose of the Hexapla was to provide a secure basis for debate with rabbis to whom the Hebrew alone was authoritative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would provide a more solid basis for debate than banks' self-serving assertions that they should be allowed to benefit from extraordinary public guarantees, while also reaping the extraordinary private rewards of high-risk finance.

The New York Times

Developed by a 60-member policy forum chaired by the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, and the outgoing party president, Mark Butler, the platform is the basis for debate at Labor's national conference in Adelaide next month.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

CAN also proclaims that unaccounted emissions from FM and a potential risk that individual RL would also be "inherently unreliable and can easily be exaggerated" [36], provide basis for debates [37].

Carbon Balance and Management

Unless you reject research as a basis for rational debate.

University of California, Berkeley

"The bill I advance tonight will serve as the basis for opening debate.

The Washington Post

These contrasting temperamental responses are the emotional basis for this debate.

The New York Times

The proposal by Mr. Schumer and Mr. Rubin provides the basis for a debate on the city's future needs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis for debate", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific issues or points that are being debated. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "basis for debate" when the situation involves a simple discussion or exchange of ideas without significant disagreement. Instead, opt for terms like "topic of discussion" or "subject of conversation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for debate" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the foundation, reason, or subject that causes disagreement and discussion. It's often used to introduce a topic that is likely to be contentious or have multiple viewpoints. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis for debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a topic expected to spark discussion and disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's a noun phrase functioning to identify the reason for contention, most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing the phrase, clarity regarding the debated issues strengthens the argument, while avoiding its use in simple discussions prevents overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "reason for discussion" or "point of contention" offer nuanced variations. Therefore, using "basis for debate" accurately and contextually ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for discussion

Replaces 'debate' with 'discussion', softening the connotation of disagreement.

ground for discussion

Substitutes 'basis' with 'ground', implying a foundation for conversation rather than contention.

foundation for discussion

Uses 'foundation' instead of 'basis', emphasizing the structural support for a conversation.

impetus for discussion

Replaces 'basis' with 'impetus', suggesting a driving force behind the discussion.

starting point for discussion

Focuses on the initiation of the discussion, replacing 'basis' with 'starting point'.

catalyst for debate

Highlights the role of the subject matter as an instigator, using 'catalyst' instead of 'basis'.

source of contention

Shifts focus to the disagreement, using 'source of contention' instead of 'basis for debate'.

matter for argument

Emphasizes the argumentative aspect, using 'matter for argument' instead.

point of contention

Focuses on a specific issue that is disputed, using 'point of contention'.

subject of discussion

Neutral alternative, simply identifying the topic under discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for debate" in a sentence?

You can use "basis for debate" to indicate the foundation or reason for a discussion where there are differing viewpoints. For example, "The new economic policy became the "basis for debate" among economists".

What are some alternatives to "basis for debate"?

Alternatives include "reason for discussion", "ground for discussion", or "point of contention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "basis for debate" a formal or informal phrase?

"Basis for debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly used in formal writing and discussions.

What makes something a "basis for debate"?

A "basis for debate" is typically an issue, topic, or proposal that elicits differing opinions and perspectives, leading to discussion and argumentation.