debated on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debated on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when discussing a topic or issue that has been the subject of a discussion or argument. Example: The students debated on the topic of climate change for hours, discussing potential solutions and the impact on the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Immigration has been one of the primary topics debated on the campaign trail.

Independent

Hotly debated on messageboards?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Both issues are now being debated on the airwaves.

The New York Times

This work deserves to be debated on its merits.

The New York Times

The amendment is expected to be debated on 21 July.

The Guardian

The bill will be debated on January 9.

The Guardian - Opinion

The amendments are to be debated on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Neighbors has been noted and debated on home ground.

The Guardian - Books

Bills should be debated on merit, and merit alone.

The New York Times

The claims of religious writers and atheist writers should be debated on their merits.

The Economist

Politics is fiercely and widely debated on social media, where the MDP is adept.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debated on" when you want to emphasize that a topic was actively discussed and examined from various perspectives. For example, "The proposed policy was intensely debated on during the town hall meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "debated about" as it is less precise than "debated on". "Debated on" correctly indicates the subject matter being discussed. For example, say "The issue was debated on at length" rather than "The issue was debated about at length".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debated on" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating that a particular topic or issue has been the subject of discussion or contention. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts, emphasizing active and considered discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "debated on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying that a specific subject has been actively and extensively discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the act of deliberation from various perspectives, often within formal or professional environments like news outlets, scientific publications, and wikis. While alternatives such as "discussed at" or "argued about" exist, "debated on" accurately pinpoints the active discourse surrounding a topic. It's also best to avoid "debated about" as it is considered less precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussed at

Focuses on the location or venue where the discussion took place.

argued about

Emphasizes the contentious nature of the discussion.

contended over

Highlights the rivalry or competition involved in the debate.

deliberated upon

Implies a more formal and thoughtful consideration of the topic.

ventilated on

Suggests the open and public expression of opinions on a matter.

wrangled over

Depicts a chaotic or disorganized debate.

hashed out

Refers to resolving an issue through extensive debate.

thrashed out

Implies a vigorous and thorough debate.

canvassed on

Emphasizes a systematic and thorough exploration of a topic.

chewed over

Suggests a long and careful consideration of a topic.

FAQs

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

The phrase "debated on" indicates a subject that has been discussed or argued about. For instance, "The new environmental regulations were debated on at the conference".

What is a good substitute for "debated on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "discussed at", "argued about", or "deliberated upon".

Is there a difference between "debated on" and "discussed on"?

"Debated on" implies a more formal and often contentious discussion, while "discussed on" simply means a topic was talked about. For example, a bill is "debated on" in parliament, but general topics are "discussed on" a blog.

When is it appropriate to use "debated on" in writing?

Use "debated on" when referring to formal settings or situations where different viewpoints are being argued, such as in political discussions, academic forums, or legal proceedings. It's less suitable for casual conversation.