debate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debate with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea of discussing a topic or idea with someone, with the intention of reaching an agreement. For example, "My team and I debated with the other side for hours before finally settling on a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't debate with Israelis.

The Guardian

"We don't have much debate with that".

The New York Times

He did debate with the preacher afterwards.

The Guardian

They won't even debate with each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We want to have this debate with Congress," he said.

The New York Times

You choose to start the debate with it.

The New York Times

I never debate with Israelis nor speak to their media.

Independent

A poster commemorates his 1962 debate with William F. Buckley.

The New York Times

I covered President Carter's debate with Reagan in 1980.

The New York Times

I'll debate with you @Ed_Miliband, even if @David_Cameron won't.

Independent

"We can alter the national debate with one election".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debate with", ensure that the context involves a structured discussion or argument, where opposing viewpoints are presented and analyzed.

Common error

Avoid using "debate with" when a simple exchange of ideas or a friendly conversation is intended. "Discuss with" is more appropriate for general conversations without a strong element of opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debate with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of engaging in a formal discussion or argument with another party. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its active role in describing interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debate with" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, indicating a structured discussion or argument. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic and professional settings. While interchangeable with terms like "discuss with", "argue with", or "deliberate with", "debate with" emphasizes a more formal and often competitive exchange of ideas. Remember to reserve "debate with" for situations involving structured arguments, and avoid it in contexts where a simple conversation is intended. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "debate with" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss with

A more general term for talking about a topic.

discussion with

Focuses on a broader exchange of ideas, not necessarily adversarial.

deliberate with

Focuses on a more formal and careful consideration of a matter.

deliberation with

Suggests a more formal and thoughtful process of discussion.

engage in dialogue with

Highlights the interactive and reciprocal nature of the discussion.

argument with

Emphasizes a disagreement or conflict of opinions.

exchange views with

Stresses the sharing of different perspectives.

conversation with

Implies a more casual and informal exchange.

hash out with

Implies a more intense and potentially contentious discussion to reach a resolution.

tussle with

Emphasizes the confrontational nature of the interaction.

FAQs

How to use "debate with" in a sentence?

You can use "debate with" to describe engaging in a formal discussion or argument, such as "The candidates will "debate with" each other on key policy issues".

What can I say instead of "debate with"?

You can use alternatives like "discuss with", "argue with", or "deliberate with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "debate with" or "debate someone"?

Both "debate with" and "debate someone" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Debate with" emphasizes the interaction, while "debate someone" highlights the opponent.

What's the difference between "debate with" and "argue with"?

"Debate with" suggests a more structured and formal discussion, while "argue with" implies a less formal, potentially heated disagreement.