be debatable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be debatable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open to argument or differing opinions. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy may be debatable among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be debatable.

The New York Times - Sports

The rules can be debatable.

The Guardian

The first claim may be debatable.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Novak's criteria for success may be debatable.

The New York Times - Arts

But even that, believe it or not, can be debatable.

Harvard Business Review

Here the relative levels of strangeness might be debatable.

The New York Times - Magazine

That might be debatable among both exhibitors and visitors.

The New York Times

The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable.

Cornell University

Whether he actually invented jazz, as he often claimed, is and will always be debatable.

The New York Times - Arts

While that might be debatable, the power of the bar's vodka martinis is confirmed.

The New York Times

That last figure may be debatable, but there is no denying the feel-good factor.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be debatable", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific aspect is open to discussion or disagreement. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the scope of the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "be debatable" when the matter is a well-established fact or widely accepted principle. Overgeneralizing can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be debatable" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express that a statement, idea, or claim is not definitively settled and is open to different opinions or interpretations. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates a topic suitable for argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "be debatable" is a versatile phrase employed to denote that an issue is open to discussion and differing opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts. The phrase's neutral register and widespread presence in both academic and journalistic sources underscore its broad applicability. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it is essential to ensure clarity by specifying the scope of debate and avoiding its application to well-established facts. Alternatives like "be open to question" or "be subject to debate" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be arguable

Indicates that there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.

be disputable

Suggests that the issue is likely to be challenged or contested.

be contestable

Highlights the possibility of the issue being formally challenged or opposed.

be open to question

Focuses on the aspect of something being questionable or not definitively settled.

be subject to debate

Highlights the aspect of something being discussed and argued over.

be a matter of opinion

Emphasizes that the issue is based on personal views rather than objective facts.

be up for discussion

Emphasizes that the issue is available and suitable for consideration and deliberation.

be uncertain

Focuses on the lack of clarity or definiteness surrounding the issue.

invite discussion

Emphasizes that the topic is appropriate and encourages people to express their opinions and thoughts.

remain unresolved

Indicates that the issue has not yet been settled or decided.

FAQs

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

You can use "be debatable" to indicate that a statement or idea is not definitively true or false and is open to different interpretations. For example, "Whether that decision was the right one is "be debatable"."

What's a more formal alternative to "be debatable"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "be subject to debate" or "be open to question" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "be debatable" in academic writing?

While "be debatable" is grammatically correct, ensure that its use aligns with the standards of academic rigor. If you are claiming something is "be debatable", provide evidence or reasoning to support that claim.

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

"Be doubtful" implies a strong sense of skepticism or uncertainty, suggesting that something is unlikely to be true or valid. "Be debatable", on the other hand, simply means that the issue is open to discussion and different viewpoints, not necessarily implying disbelief.