debate has started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debate has started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a discussion or argument on a particular topic has begun. Example: "The debate has started, and participants are eager to share their viewpoints on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In Europe, a debate has started on whether this money is spent effectively.

Ecological Economics

Now the debate has started to focus on whether or not they would be worthy winners.

The Guardian - Sport

As a wedge issue, it seems the abortion debate has started backfiring on the GOP.

The Guardian

In other words, once the constitutional debate has started, where will it end?The other risk is rather different.

The Economist

As these developments receive greater attention in the media, a public policy debate has started concerning the collection and use of information by private and public actors.

University of California, Berkeley

And on the company's Facebook page, the debate has started about the inappropriateness of non-Asian singers portraying a Japanese heroine.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

By the end of the first week, a real debate had started.

The Guardian

I wish this debate had started earlier, but I'm glad it's happening now.

The Guardian

On the other hand, Mr. Liu showed up to two recent forums on consecutive days more than 30 minutes after the debate had started, eliciting grumbling from audiences.

The New York Times

No sooner had Novak Djokovic smashed a backhand into the net and Andy Murray begun stumbling around Centre Court like a punch-drunk heavyweight stunned by the magnitude of his achievement than the perennial pub debate had started.

The Guardian - Sport

Even before any serious debate had started, we saw George Osborne take away a sizable chunk of the BBC's income with his demand that the BBC fund the licence fee for the over 75s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debate has started" to clearly signal the commencement of a discussion, argument, or controversy. It's a straightforward way to introduce a topic that is now open for discussion.

Common error

While "debate has started" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "commenced", "begun", or more descriptive phrases to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate has started" functions as an announcement or indicator that a discussion or argument is now underway. Ludwig AI shows examples in news, academic, and business contexts, signifying its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "debate has started" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the commencement of a discussion or argument. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal writing. Be sure to signal clearly that the moment of discussion has arrived.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the discussion has begun

Replaces "debate" with "discussion" and uses "begun" instead of "started", focusing on a more general exchange of ideas.

the argument has commenced

Substitutes "debate" with "argument" and "started" with "commenced", suggesting a more formal and potentially contentious beginning.

discussions are underway

Uses a plural form and a different verb structure to convey that conversations are currently in progress.

the issue is now under discussion

Shifts the focus to the "issue" and indicates that it is being actively considered.

a conversation has been initiated

Emphasizes the action of starting a conversation, highlighting the beginning of the exchange.

the matter is being debated

Highlights that the "matter" at hand is undergoing debate without specifically stating when it began.

conversations have sparked

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate the beginning of multiple related discussions.

the controversy is unfolding

Implies a gradual revelation of different perspectives within the debate.

talks have commenced

Suggests a more formal initiation of discussions, often in a political or diplomatic context.

the exploration of ideas is underway

Focuses on the investigative aspect of the debate or discussion, emphasizing the exchange of thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "debate has started" in a sentence?

You can use "debate has started" to indicate that a discussion or argument on a particular topic has begun. For example: "The debate has started regarding the new environmental regulations."

What can I say instead of "debate has started"?

You can use alternatives like "the discussion has begun", "the argument has commenced", or "discussions are underway" depending on the context.

Is "debate has started" formal or informal?

"Debate has started" is suitable for neutral contexts such as news reports or general discussions. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "the debate has commenced".

What's the difference between "debate has started" and "debate is ongoing"?

"Debate has started" indicates the beginning of a discussion, while "debate is ongoing" implies that the discussion is currently in progress and has not yet concluded.