conduct debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conduct debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of leading or managing a discussion or argument on a particular topic. Example: "The committee will conduct debate on the proposed policy changes during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is no way to conduct debate on such an important issue – or indeed any issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is no way to conduct debate on such an important issue – or indeed any issue," he said.

The Guardian

Liz Truss, the environment secretary, said the remarks were offensive and should be withdrawn, adding that this was not the way to conduct debate about foreign affairs.

The Guardian

Also: Cyber-bullying | iPod sales | Californian tech money | Web 2.0 competition | Hot startups | MAMA magazine | iVillage | amatomu While I was offline all long weekend, the blog code of conduct debate snowballed somewhat.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We believe the commission schedule is the best way to conduct debates, so that they are seen by the most people on free television," said Mark Fabiani, the Gore campaign's communications director.

The New York Times

Welsh MPs have called for greater freedom to conduct debates in Parliament in the Welsh language.

BBC

Yet shareholder proposals are the very mechanisms that the securities laws (and, in particular, S.E.C. Rule 14a-8, known as the "town hall meeting" rule) provide for conducting debate at publicly traded firms.

The New York Times

Judson True, assistant program director at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, which conducts debates and discussions on issues like business, technology and education, noted that both companies would have monopolies in their respective areas.

The New York Times

Early in the 14th century the practice developed of conducting debates between the lords spiritual and temporal in one chamber, or "house," and between the knights and burgesses in another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Scottish Parliament has conducted debates in the Gaelic language.

Wikipedia

The New Zealand Greens – the closest parallel to the Australian Greens – have had two co-leaders for over 20 years, and these positions are elected by their party conference after an extended campaign where candidates meet with members and conduct debates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a debate, specify the format and rules to ensure clarity. For instance, mention time limits for each speaker or the types of evidence allowed.

Common error

Avoid using "conclude debate" when you mean to "conduct debate". "Conclude" means to end, whereas "conduct" refers to organizing and leading the debate.

Linguistic Context

Conduct debate functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of organizing, managing, or leading a discussion or argument. This phrase is used when someone takes responsibility for guiding a formal exchange of ideas, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conduct debate" is a grammatically sound and professionally appropriate term for describing the act of managing a discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including news, formal business settings, and academia. While not exceedingly common, its usage is well-established and understood. Remember to use "conduct debate" when you mean to organize and lead a discussion, avoiding confusion with terms like "conclude", which means to end the debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold a debate

Replaces "conduct" with "hold", emphasizing the act of organizing and having a debate.

lead a debate

Focuses on the aspect of directing and guiding the discussion.

manage a debate

Highlights the organizational and control aspects of the debate.

moderate a debate

Stresses the role of remaining neutral and facilitating the discussion.

facilitate a debate

Emphasizes making the debate easier and more productive.

arrange a debate

Focuses on the planning and preparation of the debate.

organize a debate

Highlights the structuring and coordinating aspect of the debate.

preside over a debate

Indicates formal control and authority during the debate.

oversee a debate

Suggests a supervisory role in the management of the debate.

run a debate

Implies practical management and direction of the debate.

FAQs

How can I use "conduct debate" in a sentence?

You can use "conduct debate" to describe the act of organizing, leading, or managing a formal discussion. For example, "The moderator will conduct debate to ensure fair participation".

What are some alternatives to "conduct debate"?

Alternatives include "hold a debate", "lead a debate", or "moderate a debate", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "conclude a debate" instead of "conduct debate"?

No, "conclude a debate" means to end it, while "conduct debate" means to manage or lead it. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "conduct debate" and "participate in a debate"?

"Conduct debate" refers to organizing or managing a discussion, whereas "participate in a debate" means to take part as a speaker or contributor.