have a debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of discussing a particular topic or issue in a formal or structured manner, often involving opposing viewpoints. Example: "The students will have a debate on climate change and its impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Have a debate," said Lewis.

The Guardian

I think we might have a debate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At least we will have a debate.

The Guardian

"Let's have a debate about the party's future.

Independent

You will notice I just said have a debate.

The New York Times

Bolkestein disagreed, and wanted to have a debate.

The New Yorker

Whatever else happens, let's have a debate featuring me".

Independent

And that's no way to have a debate.

The Guardian - Business

Why do we want to have a debate on amendments?

The New York Times

Then we can have a debate based on the facts.

The Guardian

Yes, let's have a debate about preserving our security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability and impact, consider alternating "have a debate" with synonyms such as "conduct a debate" or "engage in a discussion" to prevent monotony and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "have a debate" when referring to a simple conversation. The phrase implies a more structured and formal exchange of opposing viewpoints, not just a casual discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a debate" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of engaging in a formal discussion or argument. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in news articles, opinion pieces, and other forms of media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a debate" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote the action of engaging in a formal discussion or argument. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news and media sources and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. Remember to use the phrase when the context calls for a structured discussion with opposing viewpoints. Varying your language with alternatives like "engage in a discussion" or "conduct a debate" can keep your writing engaging and precise. Steer clear of misusing it in casual conversation. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently and accurately use "have a debate" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct a debate

Replaces 'have' with a more formal verb, suggesting a structured argument.

hold a discussion

Emphasizes a more general and less confrontational exchange of ideas.

engage in a discussion

Highlights the active participation in an exchange of ideas.

undertake a discussion

Implies a more serious and thorough examination of a topic.

present arguments

Focuses on the act of providing reasons for or against something.

exchange views

Highlights the reciprocal sharing of opinions.

deliberate on the issue

Suggests a careful and thorough consideration of a matter.

consider opposing viewpoints

Emphasizes the act of examining different perspectives.

ventilate opinions

Implies a more open and free expression of thoughts.

air grievances

Focuses on expressing complaints or concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a debate" to indicate a formal discussion with opposing viewpoints, such as, "The students will "have a debate" on the merits of renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "have a debate"?

Alternatives include "engage in a discussion", "conduct a debate", or "hold a discussion", depending on the desired level of formality and intensity.

Is it better to say "have a debate" or "hold a debate"?

"Have a debate" and "hold a debate" are both acceptable, but "hold a debate" often implies a more formal or organized event. The choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "have a debate" and "have a discussion"?

"Have a debate" implies a structured argument with opposing viewpoints, while "have a discussion" suggests a more general exchange of ideas without necessarily having opposing sides.