further the debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further the debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to advance or enhance a discussion or argument on a particular topic. Example: "The new evidence presented by the researchers will help to further the debate on climate change policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We were just trying to further the debate," he said.

The New York Times

Commissioned a year ago, the study is intended to create a set of measurements to further the debate about the impact of private equity amid the buyout boom.

The New York Times

Rather than adopting a particular ideological stance, this report uses evidence-based research to draw its conclusions and further the debate".

Independent

Mitt Romney chose Mr Ryan as his running-mate to gee up the Republican base rather than to further the debate on fiscal policy.

The Economist

The proposals are likely to stoke further the debate over delivery of education to the poor across the developing world, where some 250 million children are still unable to read or write, despite many of them having been to school.

Independent

In January, the former Aston Villa and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger became the most high-profile player to come out, saying he wanted "to further the debate about homosexuality".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Today there are plenty of theories about the evolution of blonde hair and the science of genetics has furthered the debate.

The Guardian

Uruguay's bill has furthered the debate about abortion legislation in Latin America, a bastion of Roman Catholicism and a region where evangelical faiths are growing rapidly.

The New York Times

Ruth Sample (2002) furthers the debate over contractarianism in feminist thought, arguing against Hampton's contractualist version on grounds that contractualists beg the question of intrinsic value.

SEP

However, in the interests of furthering the debate on admission and selection processes, we would suggest further studies on larger cohorts, to investigate in more depth any potential influence of specific non-sciences such as languages.

BMC Medical Education

What has further fueled the debate here has been the ceremonial flourishes surrounding the acquisition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "further the debate", ensure that your contribution genuinely adds a new perspective, evidence, or argument to the existing discussion. Provide specific details or insights that move the conversation forward, rather than simply reiterating existing points.

Common error

Avoid using "further the debate" when there isn't an existing debate or controversy. This phrase implies an ongoing discussion with differing viewpoints. Instead, use phrases like "begin the discussion" or "introduce the topic" if you are initiating the conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "further the debate" is as a verb phrase acting as the predicate in a sentence. It expresses the action of advancing or developing a discussion, argument, or controversy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "further the debate" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the action of advancing or enhancing a discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. Its neutral-to-professional tone makes it suitable for formal writing, urging the provision of new perspectives to contribute to the ongoing conversation. Related phrases include "advance the discussion", "promote the discourse", and "enrich the dialogue", each offering subtle nuances to the intended message. When using "further the debate", ensure that the contribution adds genuine insight to an existing discussion, and avoid using it when there isn't an ongoing debate or controversy. Understanding these nuances can lead to more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance the discussion

This alternative offers a more general term for moving the conversation forward, without necessarily implying a formal debate.

promote the discourse

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes a structured and reasoned exchange of ideas.

enrich the dialogue

This option highlights adding depth and value to the conversation, focusing on improving understanding.

stimulate the discussion

This phrase focuses on initiating or boosting engagement in a conversation.

propel the discussion forward

This alternative emphasizes moving the discussion ahead with momentum and direction.

fuel the conversation

This alternative suggests adding energy and intensity to the discussion.

extend the debate

This highlights prolonging the discussion and exploring additional facets.

deepen the inquiry

This suggests an intent to explore the subject matter more thoroughly and profoundly.

amplify the discussion

This emphasizes increasing the reach and impact of the ongoing conversation.

intensify the dialogue

This alternative suggests heightening the emotion and engagement within the conversation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "further the debate" in a sentence?

Use "further the debate" to introduce new information, perspectives, or arguments that enhance an existing discussion. For example, "This study aims to "further the debate" on climate change by presenting new data on its impact on coastal regions."

What are some alternatives to "further the debate" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "advance the discussion", "promote the discourse", or "enrich the dialogue".

Is it appropriate to use "further the debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "further the debate" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where critical discussion and analysis are valued. However, be mindful of your audience and the specific tone required.

What's the difference between ""further the debate"" and "continue the debate"?

"Further the debate" suggests adding new elements or deepening the discussion, while "continue the debate" simply means keeping the existing discussion going without necessarily introducing anything new.