debating between

USAGE SUMMARY

"debating between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of considering different options or opinions. Example: We were debating between the two options for lunch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Was debating between LCD and Plasma.

The New York Times

Israeli officials are debating between the cease-fire with Hamas and a large-scale military attack.

The New York Times

This year, he is debating between Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Romney.

The New York Times

But if you are still debating between AT&T and Verizon, it depends on your preferences.

The New York Times

Perhaps this is what they were so busy debating between every other delivery as they later sent the over rate spiralling to surreal depths.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm debating between spring wheat, durum wheat, canola, malting barley, confection sunflowers, oil sunflowers, soybeans, flax and corn," Mr. Miller said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

A fictitious debate between incumbent Pres.

The New Yorker

"The debate between Isabel Garcia and Joe Arpaio was no exception".

The New York Times

He says: "Petitions can help stimulate debate between organisations.

The Guardian

In 1984, she moderated the first Presidential debate between Walter Mondale and Ronald Reagan.

The New Yorker

Tells about the Sept. 25 debate between the two candidates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debating between", ensure the options being considered are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions other than "between" after "debating" when referring to multiple options; stick to "debating between A and B" rather than "debating among A and B".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debating between" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of actively considering and comparing multiple options before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct, as evidenced by various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debating between" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express the act of actively considering multiple options. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the options being considered are clearly defined. Common errors include using incorrect prepositions. Consider alternatives like "choosing between" or "weighing up" for nuanced variations. By following best practices, you can effectively use "debating between" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding between

Directly indicates the process of making a choice.

choosing between

Highlights the act of selecting one option over others.

considering

Implies a thoughtful evaluation of different possibilities.

weighing up

Focuses on the act of assessing different options to make a decision.

comparing options

Focuses on contrasting the features of different choices.

deliberating over

Highlights a more formal and careful consideration.

evaluating alternatives

Focuses on judging the merits of different choices.

contemplating

Suggests a deeper, more reflective consideration of the options.

assessing options

Emphasizes the evaluation of various available choices.

pondering

Suggests a reflective consideration of options before making a decision.

FAQs

How do I use "debating between" in a sentence?

Use "debating between" when you are considering two or more options, such as "I am debating between the blue shirt and the red one."

What can I say instead of "debating between"?

Alternatives include "choosing between", "deciding between", or "weighing up", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "debating among" instead of "debating between"?

While "debating among" can be used when discussing viewpoints within a group, "debating between" is more appropriate when selecting from distinct options.

What's the nuance difference between "debating between" and "considering"?

"Debating between" implies an active comparison of options, while "considering" suggests a more general evaluation.