debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'debate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a discussion between two or more people in which they express different opinions on a topic. For example, "The debate between the two candidates highlighted the differences in their stances on foreign policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly, it is typical of the smears coming from those who would rather not debate policy and substance".

The Guardian

David, if you think this election is about leadership, then debate me one on one.

The Guardian

The government should not tell women what to wear, the home secretary has said, amid ongoing debate over the use of full-face veils.

The Guardian

To try to close down that debate prematurely is both arrogant and plain wrong".

The Guardian

"Hacking is one of the most intrusive surveillance capabilities available to any intelligence agency, and its use and safeguards surrounding it should be the subject of proper debate.

The Guardian

Related: How did the challengers fare in the final TV debate?

The Guardian

"So the real challenge for us as we debate our role in the EU is working out what we should be pushing forward, what we should be leading on within the EU, to make it – and us – a more effective economic and global power".

The Guardian

Sadly it is typical of the smears coming from those who would rather not debate policy and substance," Shapps said.

The Guardian

Chafee's candidacy seems targeted almost directly at Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy record – the Democratic equivalent of those conservative hawks who sought to enter the Republican primary solely to excoriate Rand Paul on the debate stage.

The Guardian

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

The first minister has called for an emergency debate on the issue in the Northern Ireland assembly on Friday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debate" as a verb, be sure to clarify who or what is being debated, and the context of the discussion. For example, "The politicians will debate the new healthcare policy" provides more clarity than simply "They will debate."

Common error

Avoid using "debate" when a simple discussion or exchange of ideas is taking place. "Debate" implies a more structured and often adversarial exchange, so ensure the context truly fits this definition. Prefer "discussion" if the situation is less formal or confrontational.

Linguistic Context

The word "debate" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a formal discussion or argument, and as a verb, meaning to engage in such a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms this dual function and its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "debate" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a structured discussion involving opposing viewpoints. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "debate" is grammatically correct and widely used. Its register spans from neutral in news reporting to formal in academic and political contexts. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals that it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by formal business settings. When using "debate", it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with its formal and often adversarial nature, differentiating it from a simple "discussion". Common alternatives include "argument" and "controversy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion

Focuses on the general exchange of ideas rather than a formal argument.

argument

Emphasizes the disagreement and potential conflict within the exchange.

controversy

Highlights the presence of a widespread disagreement or public dispute.

disputation

Implies a more formal and structured disagreement.

deliberation

Stresses the careful consideration of different viewpoints.

consideration

Focuses on the act of thinking about different aspects of an issue.

exchange of views

Highlights the reciprocal sharing of opinions on a subject.

intellectual combat

Emphasizes the competitive nature of the discussion.

airing of opinions

Focuses on the public expression of differing viewpoints.

clash of ideas

Highlights the conflict and opposition between different viewpoints.

FAQs

How is "debate" typically used in a sentence?

The word "debate" can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a discussion involving opposing viewpoints, like "The presidential "debate" was highly anticipated." As a verb, it means to discuss opposing arguments, as in "The senators will "debate" the bill tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to the word "debate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "discussion", "argument", "controversy", or "disputation". Each of these words carries slightly different connotations.

What's the difference between "debate" and "discussion"?

"Debate" typically implies a more formal and structured exchange with clearly opposing sides, while "discussion" is a more general term for exchanging ideas and viewpoints, which can be more informal and collaborative.

Is it correct to use "debate" to describe an internal conflict within oneself?

Yes, you can use "debate" to describe an internal conflict, as in "I "debate" with myself whether to accept the job offer." However, in such contexts, consider alternatives like "wrestle", "ponder", or "contemplate", which might better capture the nuanced meaning.