continuing debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"continuing debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a conversation or discussion that is ongoing. Example: The issue of climate change has sparked a continuing debate among political leaders.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And what's inspiring is Orr's sheer enthusiasm for continuing debate.

The Guardian

But a combination of circumstances seems likely to fuel continuing debate.

The New York Times

The study mirrors the continuing debate about the properties of oil sands crude.

The New York Times

It's a neat contrast with the continuing debate over that other referendum.

Independent

There is continuing debate as to whether our problem is structural or cyclical.

The New York Times

(House of Lords reform is the subject of continuing debate in Britain).

The New York Times

To the Editor: Thanks for covering the continuing debate about student loans.

The New York Times

The gay subtext to the story is a matter of continuing debate.

Independent

The continuing debate over social mobility and income distribution does not lend itself to facile conclusions.

The New York Times

A continuing debate was in progress between the Old-Fashioned Futurists and the New Wave-icles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

ST: This is a continuing debate about my work.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continuing debate" to accurately represent ongoing discussions where different viewpoints are being presented and considered. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and participants involved in the debate.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing debate" to describe situations where the discussion has concluded or a consensus has been reached. This phrase is most appropriate when the issue remains actively contested and open to further discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing debate" functions as a noun phrase that describes an ongoing discussion or argument. It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the existence and nature of the debate. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continuing debate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an ongoing discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, most notably in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. The frequency analysis shows its widespread use in "News & Media" and "Science", emphasizing its relevance in describing current and unresolved issues. While alternatives like "ongoing discussion" and "lingering dispute" exist, "continuing debate" provides a balanced and neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the subject of the debate and avoid applying it to situations where a consensus has already been reached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing discussion

Focuses on the conversational aspect, implying a more general and less confrontational exchange.

protracted argument

Highlights the length and potentially contentious nature of the discussion.

lingering dispute

Emphasizes the unresolved nature of the debate and its persistence over time.

perpetual controversy

Stresses the seemingly endless nature of the disagreement.

unresolved contention

Focuses on the lack of resolution and the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

sustained dialogue

Highlights the collaborative and extended nature of the discussion.

enduring disagreement

Emphasizes the lasting quality of the difference in opinion.

unsettled question

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer or resolution.

running argument

Emphasizes that the argument is still active and has some currency.

unending controversy

Stresses the perpetual and unresolved aspect of the contentious issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "continuing debate" to describe an issue that is still being discussed and argued about. For example, "There is a "continuing debate" over the effectiveness of the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "continuing debate"?

Some alternatives to "continuing debate" include "ongoing discussion", "lingering dispute", or "unresolved contention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "continuing debate" or "continuous debate"?

"Continuing debate" and "continuous debate" have slightly different meanings. "Continuing debate" implies that the debate is ongoing, while "continuous debate" suggests the debate is happening without interruption. "Continuing debate" is typically the more appropriate choice in most contexts.

What's the difference between "continuing debate" and "ongoing debate"?

The phrases "continuing debate" and "ongoing debate" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. Both indicate that a discussion or argument is currently in progress and has not yet reached a resolution.