debatably

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "debatably" is correct and usable in written English.
It has the meaning of "arguably" or "open to debate". For example, "Debatably, the best way to relax is to take a hot bath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Not a little bit wrong, not debatably wrong demonstrably and conclusively wrong.

The Economist

The rest (debatably) was credit-crunch-tastic history.

The Economist

It offered five other suggestions, four of which were at least debatably helpful, and one of which was flat-out wrong.We have a total of six tests.

The Economist

It is between those communities that have found a way to thrive in the economic circumstances conscribing England today a high-wage, Anglo-Saxon service economy on the edge of Europe and those that have not been able or (debatably) willing to do so.

The Economist

Mine are cropped just below the knee and finished with a row of three white buttons that are, debatably, a detail too far (thank you, American Apparel).

Independent

He peacocks after scoring goals and brings a debatably excessive exuberance to the serious business of bodychecking.

The New Yorker

She has issues, but men, happily and perhaps debatably given what her profession turns out to be, don't number among them.

The New York Times

The name isn't even debatably offensive, like the Tomahawk Chop.

The New York Times - Books

"We the Animals" — a series of 19 short, loosely connected, debatably chronological vignettes — is a strobe light of a story, its flash set on slow, producing before our eyes lurid and poetic snapshots that start with the narrator and his two brothers as needy children: "We wanted more... we were hungry.

The New York Times - Books

That's less a reference to the picture's homogeneous racial and ethnic makeup, which debatably reflects that of the music milieu it seeks to replicate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The _New Scientist _cited research suggesting that because pregnancy can increase the volume of red blood cells, aiding the delivery of oxygen to muscles, women in the early stages of pregnancy may debatably experience a boost in athletic abilities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debatably" to introduce an opinion or statement that might be contested or viewed differently by others. This acknowledges the subjective nature of the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "debatably" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing where precise and well-supported arguments are expected. Opt for more assertive or evidence-based language instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "debatably" is as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate that the statement being made is open to question or disagreement. Ludwig provides many examples of this adverbial usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debatably" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverb that introduces statements open to question or disagreement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media contexts. When employing "debatably", consider the level of formality required and acknowledge that other perspectives may exist. Alternatives like "arguably" or "possibly" can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguably

Expresses that something can be supported by arguments, suggesting a degree of uncertainty or contestability.

possibly

Indicates a chance or likelihood of something being true, but without certainty.

conceivably

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility, although it may not be likely.

ostensibly

Implies that something appears to be the case, but there may be a different underlying reality.

putatively

Indicates something is commonly believed or assumed, but not necessarily proven.

questionably

Suggests that something is dubious or doubtful.

subject to debate

Directly states that the issue is open for discussion and disagreement.

it is open to question

Highlights that the truth or validity of something is not certain.

perhaps

Indicates a possibility or uncertainty, often used to soften a statement.

by some accounts

Indicates that information is based on certain reports or opinions, rather than established facts.

FAQs

How can I use "debatably" in a sentence?

"Debatably" is used to introduce a statement that is open to question or disagreement. For example, "Debatably, the most important factor in a company's success is its employees".

What are some alternatives to using "debatably"?

Alternatives include "arguably", "possibly", or "conceivably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "debatably" in formal writing?

While "debatably" is grammatically correct, its informality may not suit all formal contexts. Consider using a more precise or evidence-backed phrase if appropriate.

What's the difference between "debatably" and "undoubtedly"?

"Debatably" suggests the statement is open to debate, while "undoubtedly" implies there is no question or doubt about its truth. They have opposite meanings.