highly debatable but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly debatable but" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something is controversial but you are still going to address it. For example: "The issue of gun control is highly debatable but it is a topic worth discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This sounds highly debatable, but perhaps that technical argument will be had on another day.

The Guardian

That is highly debatable, but, more to the point, it is a nonissue.

The New York Times

How true this is of their art turns out to be highly debatable, but the show does look and feel different from its moody, jangly predecessor.

The New York Times - Arts

Twitter: @HiDavidNewbury   Asking if Madonna is attention seeking is like asking if George Osborne is an economist - highly debatable, but either way it ought to be part of the job description.

Independent

Readers may not agree with Mr. Slawenski's readings of specific stories — his argument, for instance, that "Teddy," an enigmatic work that famously ends with a child's piercing scream, signifies "the power of faith through union with God" is highly debatable — but his arguments for the most part are searching and carefully reasoned.

The New York Times - Books

Both (a) and (b) are highly debatable, but the point is that one can see how arguments in favor of these positions might be mounted.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After all, snacks are highly debatable as a need, but the craving for guilt reduction is hard to deny.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is highly debatable in this case.

The New York Times

Previous studies have considered clinical diagnosis as the 'gold standard' but that remains highly debatable [9, 10].

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

The use of steroids to treat community-acquired pneumonia has been suggested by some experts [ 18] but is still highly debatable [ 19].

Critical Care

But the issue seems highly debatable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly debatable but", ensure that the subsequent statement provides a clear and reasoned perspective to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "highly debatable but" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality may sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly debatable but" functions as a concessive conjunction, acknowledging a point of contention while introducing a contrasting element. As indicated by Ludwig, it suggests that while something is open to argument, there is another aspect to consider. Ludwig's examples show its use in introducing counter-arguments or qualifications.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly debatable but" is a phrase used to introduce a contrasting idea after acknowledging a controversial point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. It is most frequently found in news and media and science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, consider using this phrase to provide balanced perspectives. Remember that, as Ludwig shows, while the phrase is acceptable, it's best suited for formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly arguable but

Similar to "highly debatable" but emphasizes the possibility of making a case for either side.

highly controversial but

Replaces "debatable" with "controversial", emphasizing strong disagreement.

highly contentious but

Substitutes "debatable" with "contentious", highlighting the argumentative nature of the subject.

very debatable but

Uses "very" instead of "highly", slightly reducing the intensity of the disagreement.

highly questionable but

Replaces "debatable" with "questionable", suggesting doubts about the validity of the point.

highly uncertain but

Changes "debatable" to "uncertain", focusing on the lack of clear evidence or consensus.

disputed but

Removes the intensifier "highly", offering a more moderate level of contention.

contested but

Similar to "disputed", indicating that the point is actively being challenged.

subject to debate but

More formal phrasing indicating that the topic is open for discussion.

open to question but

Suggests the topic has not been fully resolved and invites further scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I use "highly debatable but" in a sentence?

Use "highly debatable but" to introduce a contrasting point or qualification after acknowledging a contentious issue. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy is "highly debatable", but initial results show some improvement".

What are some alternatives to "highly debatable but"?

You can use alternatives like "highly controversial but", "highly arguable but", or "very debatable but" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "highly debatable but"?

It's appropriate in formal writing or discussions when you need to acknowledge a point of contention before presenting a contrasting or qualifying argument. This demonstrates a balanced and nuanced approach.

Is "highly debatable but" always the best choice, or are there situations where other phrases might be more suitable?

While "highly debatable but" is useful for introducing counterarguments, phrases like "questionable though" or "uncertain however" might be more appropriate when expressing doubt rather than direct opposition.