debate on

USAGE SUMMARY

"debate on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to talk about a debate that is continuing or taking place. For example, "The debate on the effects of technology on society has been ongoing for several years now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There was no debate on Saturday afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

Hyperbole distorts the debate on both sides.

The New Yorker

"There was virtually no debate on it.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's the debate on C-SPAN.

The New York Times

He predicted a rowdy debate on Thursday.

The New York Times

Public debate on the issue is muted.

The Economist

Corbyn demands two day debate on Syria.

Independent

"He lost the third debate on Wednesday".

The New York Times

The debate on microfinance will undoubtedly continue.

The Economist

"There is no debate on foreign policy.

The Economist

Extended debate on confirmation of assistant secretaries.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debate on" when referring to ongoing discussions or formal arguments about a particular subject. For example, "The "debate on" climate change continues."

Common error

Avoid using "debate on" when the situation involves something other than arguments or discussions. For example, don't say "There was a "debate on" the table" if you mean discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that introduces the topic or subject of a debate. It specifies what is being debated or argued. Ludwig AI confirms that "debate on" is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debate on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces the topic of a discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is commonly found in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability across various registers. For alternative phrasing, consider using "discussion about" or "argument over". When using "debate on", ensure the context involves a discussion or contention about a specific subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion about

Focuses on the act of discussing, implying a less formal setting than a debate.

deliberation regarding

Implies a more thoughtful and careful consideration of the topic.

discourse concerning

Suggests a formal and extended discussion.

argument over

Emphasizes disagreement and differing viewpoints.

dialogue about

Implies a two-way conversation and exchange of ideas.

controversy surrounding

Highlights the presence of widespread disagreement and public attention.

consideration of

Focuses on the act of carefully thinking about a topic.

examination of

Suggests a detailed and thorough analysis.

polemic against

Highlights a strong verbal attack or defense of a particular position.

the talk regarding

An informal and generic way to refer to discussion about something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "debate on" is used to refer to a discussion or argument about a particular topic. For example: "The "debate on" healthcare reform is ongoing."

What are some alternatives to saying "debate on"?

Alternatives include "discussion about", "argument over", or "controversy surrounding", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "debate about" instead of "debate on"?

While "debate about" is also commonly used, "debate on" is generally considered more formal and often preferred in academic or official contexts. Both are generally acceptable.

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

A "debate on" typically implies a more structured and often adversarial exchange of viewpoints, whereas "a discussion on" suggests a more open and collaborative exploration of a topic.