engaged in debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"engaged in debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone who is actively discussing and exchanging ideas on a particular subject. For example, "The politicians were engaged in debate for hours before reaching a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I've engaged in debate in all of my" statewide campaigns.

The New York Times

As Democrats prepared to convene, Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, kept out of sight on an estate in Vermont, where he was engaged in debate preparation.

The New York Times

Both White House contenders have been deeply engaged in debate preparations even as they maintain busy schedules on the campaign trail.

The Washington Post

While this could have been the scene 50 years ago, today one would encounter professionals engaged in debate about an individual student's fit for the college and the unique contributions that each applicant offers.

The New York Times

There were times when I was asked to sexually service a minister in Thatcher's government and had to embarrass a Labour minister who kept clasping my thighs as we sat together at a table engaged in debate.

Independent

The public and Congress did not seem engaged in debate over the Obama administration's frequent use of unmanned drones before the confirmation hearings for John O. Brennan, President Obama's prospective head of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As a young person before you went to college, were you engaged in debates and arguments?

University of California, Berkeley

Berg advocated for scientists to become more engaged in debates about the role of science in society.

Stanford University

The legislative branch, for its part, is hardly as engaged in debates over gun violence.

Huffington Post

Reporters shouted questions and engaged in debates over semantics with Nielsen.

Huffington Post

"A local county official cannot engage in debate with Norman Schwarzkopf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engaged in debate" to describe active participation in a structured or formal discussion where different viewpoints are presented and argued.

Common error

Avoid using "engaged in debate" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "discussed" or "talked about" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaged in debate" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of actively participating in a discussion where different viewpoints are presented. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engaged in debate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe active participation in a discussion, especially one involving differing viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and appropriate for various contexts, although overuse in very informal settings should be avoided. Predominantly found in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, the phrase conveys a sense of structured discussion aimed at persuasion or resolution. Alternatives such as "participated in a discussion" or "discussed the issue" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participated in a discussion

Focuses on the act of taking part in a discussion, which is a broader term than a debate.

took part in a discussion

Emphasizes involvement in a discussion, using slightly more casual wording.

involved in a controversy

Highlights the contentious nature of the exchange, implying disagreement.

deliberated on the matter

Indicates careful and thorough discussion, often in a formal setting.

discussed the issue

A more general term for talking about a topic, without necessarily implying opposition.

argued the point

Focuses on presenting reasons for or against something, typically from a position of disagreement.

contended with arguments

Suggests active struggle with opposing arguments in the discussion.

had a disputation

Implies a formal debate or argument.

hashed out differences

Suggests a vigorous and often lengthy discussion aimed at resolving disagreements.

conversed about the topic

Emphasizes a more casual exchange of ideas, rather than a structured debate.

FAQs

How can I use "engaged in debate" in a sentence?

You can use "engaged in debate" to describe individuals or groups actively discussing opposing viewpoints, such as, "The candidates were "engaged in debate" over economic policy."

What are some alternatives to "engaged in debate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "participated in a discussion", "discussed the issue", or "argued the point".

Is it appropriate to use "engaged in debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "engaged in debate" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing structured discussions or arguments in academic, professional, or news contexts.

What is the difference between "engaged in debate" and "had a conversation"?

"Engaged in debate" implies a more structured and potentially confrontational exchange of opposing views, while "had a conversation" suggests a more casual and collaborative discussion.