enter into debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"enter into debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone participating in a formal or structured argument or discussion. For example: - The candidates entered into a heated debate over healthcare policies. - The students were encouraged to enter into debate as part of their critical thinking skills development. - The senator refused to enter into debate with their opponent, stating that the issue was non-negotiable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Monta?declined to enter into debate on whether Fognini was cramping.

The New York Times

His public presence there — at a show about the interplay of new presidents, vice presidents and citizens — was a tacit acknowledgment of his willingness to enter into debate.

Los Angeles Times

Universities are one of the few places in the world where all students are encouraged to seek opportunities for intercultural interaction, to enter into debate, to increase critical thinking, and to become informed citizens.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fringe events place a panel of experts with a relevant MP and enter into debates with an audience of conference pass holders (in other words, anyone).

The Guardian - Opinion

The next phase of the contest will be gruelling, as they enter into debates full of hard-truths and inevitable personal attacks, while the media scrutiny into their private lives is likely to intensify.

Independent

As Taser CEO Rick Smith toldFortune in 2011, "We don't enter into debates about policy, we just make the equipment.

Vice

All of the panelists and participants, were, not only extremely knowledgeable about the topics covered, but also eager to enter into debates about issues like meaningful use, health care policy, patient empowerment, and the cloud.

Huffington Post

During the course of the show, Matthews routinely played "hardball" with his guests by entering into debate or pursuing a hard line of questioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He attended William of Champeaux's lectures, and entered into debate with William over the problem of universals.

SEP

"I have since invested a great deal of my time and energies into re-educating myself through reading, attending workshops and entering into debates.

Independent

In fact, the archbishops' Letter on Marriage is little more than a re-affirmation of general Catholic teaching on marriage and human relationships; much of it could be applied to same-sex civil unions without even entering into debates about same-sex marriage per se.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enter into debate" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and often formal entry into a discussion, especially one where opposing viewpoints are expected.

Common error

Avoid using "enter into debate" when simply referring to a casual conversation or informal discussion. This phrase is more appropriate for structured arguments or formal discussions where there are defined viewpoints and a degree of contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enter into debate" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation or active participation in a discussion or argument. It suggests a conscious decision to engage with differing viewpoints. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies active participation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enter into debate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of participating in a formal discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While the phrase is deemed correct and usable, it's important to consider its level of formality and use alternatives like "join the discussion" for casual conversations. Be mindful when using "enter into debate" since it is more appropriate for structured arguments or formal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing rather than formally debating.

participate in a discussion

Highlights active involvement in a discussion, broader than a formal debate.

take part in a debate

Emphasizes involvement in a debate, but less formal than the original.

join the discussion

Suggests becoming part of an ongoing discussion.

contribute to the debate

Focuses on adding input to an existing debate.

weigh in on the discussion

Suggests offering an opinion or perspective to a discussion.

get involved in the discussion

Implies becoming actively engaged in a conversation.

open a debate

Focuses on initiating a debate, rather than joining one.

initiate discussion

Stresses the action of beginning a discussion.

start a debate

Highlights the commencement of a debate.

FAQs

How can I use "enter into debate" in a sentence?

You can use "enter into debate" to describe someone's active participation in a discussion or argument. For example, "The candidates willingly "enter into debate" on key policy issues during the town hall meeting".

What's a more formal way to say "enter into debate"?

A more formal way to express "enter into debate" might be to say "engage in discourse" or "participate in deliberations". These alternatives emphasize a more structured and considered involvement in a discussion.

What can I say instead of "enter into debate" to imply a less formal discussion?

Alternatives like "join the discussion" or "take part in a conversation" imply a less formal setting than ""enter into debate"". These options suggest a more casual exchange of ideas.

Is it correct to say "entered into debate" or should I always use "enter into debate"?

Both "enter into debate" and "entered into debate" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Enter into debate" is present tense, while "entered into debate" is past tense. The correct tense depends on the context of your sentence.