debate around

USAGE SUMMARY

'debate around' is a suitable phrase to use in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a discussion or argument of a particular topic. For example, "The debate around the tax increase has been ongoing for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Angelo encouraged debate around the dinner table.

The New York Times - Magazine

The row stirred debate around the UK.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the national political debate around crime became more heated.

The New York Times

We also ran an interesting debate around that time.

The Economist

Blackmun's dissent eventually framed the legal debate around this issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second reason is the shifting debate around climate change.

Independent

Passionate debate around the dinner table was the norm.

The Economist

We need to have more of a debate around that".

The Guardian

But this background debate around the EU favours them.

The Guardian

However, the debate around ratings for music videos predates that.

The Guardian - Music

What do you think about the debate around refugees?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debate around", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject being debated. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "debate around" in overly broad contexts. Instead, specify the core issue or topic that is being actively discussed or contested to provide more clarity to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate around" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically indicating the subject or focus of a discussion or controversy. It introduces the scope of a debate, as illustrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debate around" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English to introduce topics that are subject to discussion and disagreement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and particularly prevalent in news media and scientific contexts. When using "debate around", ensure that the context clearly specifies the subject being discussed, avoiding overgeneralizations to maximize clarity. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "discourse concerning" for academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms the widespread acceptance and practical utility of "debate around" in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion concerning

Focuses on the exchange of ideas and perspectives, emphasizing the topic of discussion.

controversy surrounding

Highlights the conflicting opinions and disagreements associated with the subject.

argument regarding

Emphasizes the disagreement and opposing viewpoints related to the matter.

discourse concerning

Highlights formal and structured discussion.

conversation about

Focuses on a more informal exchange of ideas.

dialogue regarding

Emphasizes a more structured exchange, often with the aim of reaching understanding.

questions surrounding

Focuses on uncertainties and inquiries regarding the topic.

issues concerning

Highlights the relevant problems and considerations related to the subject.

considerations regarding

Focuses on factors taken into account when evaluating the subject.

talks about

Highlights the conversations related to the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "debate around" to introduce a topic that is being discussed or argued. For instance, "The debate around climate change is ongoing".

What are some alternatives to "debate around"?

Alternatives include "discussion concerning", "controversy surrounding", or "argument regarding" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "debate about" or "debate around"?

"Debate about" and "debate around" are often interchangeable, but "debate around" can sometimes imply a broader scope of related issues. Both are grammatically correct.

How does the formality of "debate around" compare to alternatives?

"Debate around" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Alternatives like "discourse concerning" might be more appropriate for highly formal or academic settings.