debate is held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debate is held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a debate takes place or occurs at a specific time or location. Example: "The annual conference is scheduled for next month, and a debate is held on the final day to discuss key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's vital that the debate is held over how social care will look in the future.

The Guardian

Some electoral systems narrow the field: in France, a single debate is held between the two presidential candidates who get into the second round.

The Economist

But it's really getting quite late in the game once the first debate is held — so it will be one of his best, and last, opportunities.

The New York Times

2008 A three-day "Great Planet Debate" is held at Johns Hopkins University to decide on a more satisfactory definition of a planet.

The Guardian

Bullock carts meet head-on in lanes too narrow for them to pass, so they stop, and a long debate is held to determine who will back up.

The New York Times - Travel

With Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill having its second reading in the House of Lords this Friday, it is high time that a proper debate is held about an increasingly emotive human right.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(The debate was held in Buffalo).

The New Yorker

 Where and when will the debate be held?

The Washington Post

The debate was held at the Foreign Correspondents Club here.

The New York Times

This year's CNN G.O.P. debate was held in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

The New Yorker

Finally, the debate was held on Darling's grounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debate is held", ensure the context clearly indicates who is holding the debate and where it is taking place for maximum clarity. For example, "The debate is held annually at the university campus."

Common error

Avoid using "debate is held" in contexts where it's unclear whether you are referring to a single event or a recurring one. If the frequency is important, specify it. For example, instead of just saying "a debate is held", specify "an annual debate is held" or "a single debate is held".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate is held" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a debate takes place or is conducted. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "debate is held" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a passive construction indicating that a debate takes place. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news and media contexts and has a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context specifies who is holding the debate and where it is taking place. The best practice is to avoid ambiguity by clarifying if you are referring to a single or recurring event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a debate takes place

Replaces the passive voice "is held" with the active "takes place", emphasizing the action.

a debate occurs

Similar to "takes place", but uses the verb "occurs", which can sound slightly more formal.

the debate is conducted

Focuses on the process and management of the debate.

the debate convenes

Implies a formal gathering or assembly for the purpose of debating.

a debate is staged

Suggests a planned and organized event, possibly with a theatrical connotation.

the debate unfolds

Emphasizes the progression and development of the debate over time.

the debate is presented

Highlights the act of showcasing or putting forth the debate to an audience.

the debate happens

A more casual way to express that the debate is occurring.

the debate ensues

Indicates that the debate follows or results from a particular situation or event.

the debate arises

Suggests the debate comes into existence or emerges as a topic of discussion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "debate is held" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the debate is conducted" or "a debate takes place", which add a layer of formality and professionalism.

What are some less formal alternatives to "debate is held"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, you could say "the debate happens" or "debate occurs". These options are suitable for informal discussions or writing.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a debate?

Using the active voice (e.g., "organizers hold a debate") can make your writing more direct and engaging. The passive voice ("debate is held") is appropriate when you want to emphasize the event rather than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between saying "a debate is held" and "a debate was held"?

The phrase "debate is held" implies a recurring event or a general statement about debates. "A debate was held" refers to a specific event that occurred in the past.