debates about

USAGE SUMMARY

"debates about" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a discussion and/or argument about a particular topic. For example, "The class had a lively debate about the pros and cons of raising the minimum wage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No more debates about Bain Capital.

The New York Times

This chapter explores debates about biotechnology.

Agriculture's Ethical Horizon

Debates about economics often represent debates about politics.

The Washington Post

Spotlights debates about human rights.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No more debates about chads, no more debates about football.

The New York Times - Sports

In Washington, debates about tax cuts have yielded to debates about who should pay more.

The New York Times

There are legitimate debates about the electorate.

The New York Times

Debates about industrial policy reveal disagreements on three salient issues.

China Economic Review

Debates about health care are often personal.

The New York Times

Debates about U.S. foreign policy are also debates about American identity.

The Washington Post

Debates about abortion and gun control become debates about their intentions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "debates about" to introduce a balanced discussion of different viewpoints on a specific subject. For example, "debates about climate change" signal a discussion involving various perspectives.

Common error

While "debates about" is widely applicable, consider using simpler alternatives like "discussions on" or "talks about" in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debates about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, often introducing the subject of contention or discussion. It connects a general area of disagreement to a specific topic, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples showing diverse uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debates about" is a versatile and widely used expression for introducing topics of discussion and disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, "debates about" serves to frame subjects that involve multiple perspectives. While generally neutral in tone, its use can vary from formal to informal settings, though overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "discussions about" or "arguments about" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC, "debates about" remains a reliable and effective phrase for indicating a subject of contention or deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussions about

A more general term for exchanging views, which may not necessarily involve disagreement.

controversies about

Highlights the presence of strong disagreement or public dispute.

arguments about

Stresses the presence of opposing viewpoints and attempts to persuade.

talks about

Focuses on the act of discussing, potentially less formal than "debates about".

contentions about

Focuses on points of disagreement or conflict that are asserted.

discusses about

A verb phrase indicating the act of talking about something, less formal.

conversations about

Implies a more informal and interactive exchange of ideas.

reflections about

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration rather than direct opposition.

deliberations about

Indicates careful and thorough consideration of a topic.

matters about

Indicates subjects under consideration or discussion; broader in scope.

FAQs

How can I use "debates about" in a sentence?

You can use "debates about" to introduce a topic that is subject to discussion and disagreement. For example, "The conference featured intense debates about the future of artificial intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "debates about"?

Alternatives to "debates about" include "discussions about", "arguments about", or "controversies about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "debates on" or "debates about"?

"Debates about" is generally preferred and more common. "Debates on" is less frequent but can be acceptable in some contexts, though it may sound slightly less natural.

How does the formality of "debates about" compare to other similar phrases?

"Debates about" carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. Phrases like "talks about" or "chats about" are more informal and better suited for casual conversations.