have been debating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been debating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing discussion or argument that started in the past and continues into the present. Example: "We have been debating the merits of the new policy for several weeks now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buyers have been debating what to do.

The Guardian

People have been debating it ever since.

The New York Times

Summits have been debating the issue since January.

The Economist

Jews have been debating that for 200 years.

The Economist

PEOPLE have been debating reputation since the beginning of history.

The Economist

"Historians have been debating it at quite a high level.

The Guardian - Books

But people have been debating this case for twenty years.

The New Yorker

They have been debating who should run the firm for years.

The Economist

Administration officials have been debating the possibilities almost since the day that Mr. Obama took office.

The New York Times

Economists inside the Fed have been debating the significance of those two trends.

The New York Times

Oklahoma officials have been debating whether to terminate a $16 million contract because of scoring errors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been debating", ensure the subject is clearly defined, indicating who is engaged in the debate and what the focus of the debate is. This adds clarity and context to the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "have been debating" when referring to a one-time discussion or an event that has already concluded without any ongoing relevance. In such cases, use the simple past tense, such as "debated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been debating" functions as a verb phrase indicating a prolonged or continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage. The examples show it applied to diverse subjects, from economists to politicians.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been debating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys an ongoing discussion or argument. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it is also present in scientific and business domains. To ensure clarity, always specify the subject and focus of the debate. While similar to "have been discussing" or "have been considering", "have been debating" specifically highlights the prolonged and often unresolved nature of the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been discussing

Focuses more on the exchange of ideas rather than a potentially contentious argument.

have been considering

Emphasizes the thought process and evaluation of different options.

have been arguing about

Highlights the presence of disagreement or conflict in the discussion.

have been contemplating

Suggests a more thoughtful and reflective consideration of the topic.

have been reviewing

Implies a systematic examination of information or evidence.

have been exploring

Indicates an investigation into different aspects or possibilities related to the topic.

have been analyzing

Focuses on a detailed examination and interpretation of data or information.

have been questioning

Highlights the act of inquiring and raising doubts about something.

have been assessing

Emphasizes the evaluation and judgment of the value or quality of something.

have been pondering

Suggests a deep and prolonged reflection on a particular issue.

FAQs

How can I use "have been debating" in a sentence?

Use "have been debating" to describe an ongoing discussion or argument that started in the past and continues into the present. For instance, "Experts "have been debating" the effects of climate change for decades".

What are some alternatives to "have been debating"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been discussing", "have been considering", or "have been arguing about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are debating" instead of "have been debating"?

While "are debating" is grammatically correct, it implies that the discussion is happening right now. "Have been debating" indicates that the discussion started in the past and is still ongoing. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "have been debating" and "debated"?

"Have been debating" indicates an ongoing process that started in the past and continues to the present, while "debated" refers to a completed action or discussion that occurred in the past and is no longer ongoing.