be debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open for discussion or argument. Example: "The proposed policy changes will be debated in the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That can't be debated".

The New York Times - Sports

That proposition can be debated.

The New Yorker

"This is something which will be debated".

The New York Times

The proposals continue to be debated fiercely.

The New York Times

The president's tone can be debated.

The New York Times

They will be debated next week.

The Economist

The potential risks continue to be debated.

The Economist

Meteorologically, that might be debated.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has to be debated.

The New York Times

Modernity continues to be debated.

The New York Times - Travel

Meles' legacy will be debated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify who is doing the debating. For instance, "The policy will be debated by the Senate" provides more clarity than "The policy will be debated."

Common error

Avoid using "be debated" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actors involved. Instead of "The issue needs to be debated", consider "The committee should debate the issue" for more directness and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be debated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is the recipient of the action of debating. It signifies that an issue or topic is undergoing or will undergo discussion and argument. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be debated" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive verb phrase that indicates a topic is open for discussion and argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is considered correct. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, signaling its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure the context conveys differing opinions and avoid overly passive constructions. Alternative phrases like "be discussed" or "be considered" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be discussed

Focuses on the act of talking about a topic, without necessarily implying disagreement or formal argumentation.

be considered

Highlights the thoughtful evaluation of a subject, potentially before a decision is made.

be argued

Emphasizes the presentation of opposing viewpoints and persuasive reasoning.

be examined

Suggests a detailed investigation or scrutiny of a matter.

be reviewed

Implies a formal assessment or re-evaluation of something.

be deliberated

Stresses the careful and thorough consideration of an issue, often in a formal setting.

be contested

Highlights the disputed or challenged nature of a claim or idea.

be questioned

Focuses on the act of doubting or challenging the validity of something.

be addressed

Highlights the need to deal with or resolve a particular issue.

be analyzed

Emphasizes a systematic and detailed examination of a topic to understand its components.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be debated" indicates that a topic or issue is open for discussion and argument. For example: "The new law will "be debated" in Parliament next week".

What are some alternatives to "be debated"?

Alternatives include "be discussed", "be argued", or "be considered" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be debated" or "be discussed"?

"Be debated" implies a more formal and potentially contentious discussion, while "be discussed" suggests a more general and less adversarial conversation. The choice depends on the context of the situation.

Can "be debated" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While "be debated" is generally suitable for formal contexts such as academic or political discussions, it can also be used in informal settings to indicate a disagreement or difference of opinion. However, in highly informal situations, simpler terms like "talked about" might be more appropriate.