debate the subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debate the subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or arguing about a particular topic or issue in a formal or informal context. Example: "In the upcoming meeting, we will debate the subject of climate change and its impact on our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Usually, players debate the subject of steroids privately.

The New York Times - Sports

Then there is a lack of a platform in which to debate the subject.

The Guardian

On November 14th and 15th hundreds of management enthusiasts converged on the Austrian capital to debate the subject.

The Economist

In the title story, two strangers on a trans-Atlantic flight debate the subject while a third passenger is dying.

The New York Times - Books

In the title story, two strangers on a plane debate the subject while a third passenger is dying midflight.

The New York Times - Books

Mr Kennedy spoke on Iraq yesterday and the party will debate the subject tomorrow, leaving today clear for other things.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But let's let the candidates truly debate the subjects.

Huffington Post

But Kaiser and his sources seem never to have debated the subject.

The New York Times - Books

Not only did his appearances lead to discussions of attitudes toward gays, but the province started debating the subject of bullying in general.

The New York Times

In an interview Friday, Mr. Klein said the e-mail message should not be interpreted as an order to stop debating the subject.

The New York Times

Arguably the high point of ufology's influence on British political life came when the House of Lords earnestly debated the subject in January 1979.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

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

Common error

Avoid using "debate the subject" when a more specific verb like "discuss", "analyze", or "examine" would provide a clearer understanding of the interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate the subject" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "debate" is the verb indicating a formal discussion or argument and "the subject" is the noun phrase identifying the topic of contention. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debate the subject" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe a formal discussion or argument about a particular topic. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "discuss the topic" or "argue the point" exist, "debate the subject" implies a more structured and potentially contentious exchange. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the subject matter is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Overall, Ludwig confirms that "debate the subject" is a useful and appropriate phrase for describing structured discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss the topic

Replaces "debate" with a more general term for conversation.

argue the point

Focuses on the argumentative aspect of the discussion.

deliberate on the issue

Suggests a formal and careful discussion.

consider the matter

Emphasizes thoughtful examination rather than direct opposition.

address the question

Highlights the act of responding to or dealing with a specific question.

contest the claim

Directly challenges the validity of a statement.

contest the issue

Focuses on disputing a specific issue.

examine the problem

Focuses on a detailed inspection of a problem.

explore the theme

Suggests a broader, less confrontational investigation.

analyze the case

Implies a systematic and detailed examination of a specific case.

FAQs

How can I use "debate the subject" in a sentence?

You can use "debate the subject" to describe a situation where people are formally discussing or arguing about a specific topic. For example, "The committee will "debate the subject" of budget cuts at the next meeting".

What are some alternatives to "debate the subject"?

Alternatives include "discuss the topic", "argue the point", or "consider the matter", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "debate the subject" or "discuss the subject"?

Both "debate the subject" and "discuss the subject" are correct, but "debate" implies a more formal and potentially contentious discussion, while "discuss" suggests a more general conversation.

What is the difference between "debate the subject" and "argue the subject"?

"Debate the subject" typically refers to a structured discussion with opposing viewpoints, whereas "argue the subject" suggests a more informal and possibly heated disagreement.