hold a debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that you and others discuss a certain issue in order to reach a conclusion. For example: "Let's hold a debate about the effects of climate change on global agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hold a debate over the protest's potential.

The New York Times

But perhaps most remarkably, they finally agreed to hold a debate.

The New York Times

"If you want to hold a debate in your house, we'll be there".

The New York Times

Politicians prefer to hold a debate on the veil rather than sort out public services.

The Guardian - Opinion

* He said he did not believe David Cameron wanted to hold a debate with him.

The Guardian

The Democrats are to hold a debate on 13 October in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Guardian

3. Following the class discussion, hold a debate in a public forum, such as a school assembly.

The New York Times

But once it's no longer a hypothetical – once it's a fait accompli – it's too late to hold a debate.

The Guardian

"We will convene our institutions, hold a debate, and decide," one minister from Shinui, Joseph Paritzky, told Israel Radio.

The New York Times

Their task is to create campaign materials aimed at youth voters for the coming mock election and to hold a debate on the key issues.

The New York Times

Tuesday Pro-independence and pro-union lawyers hold a debate in Edinburgh on the ramifications of a split in the Faculty of Advocates.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the rules and format of the debate to ensure a productive discussion.

Common error

Avoid scheduling a debate without sufficient preparation time for participants to research and formulate their arguments. Ensure all participants have the necessary resources and information to engage effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a debate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of organizing and conducting a formal discussion or contest of arguments. It suggests initiating and managing a structured exchange of viewpoints on a specific topic. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold a debate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the act of organizing and conducting a formal discussion on a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly within news, media, and academic settings. When writing, consider the level of preparation and formality required for the debate to ensure effective communication. Alternatives like "conduct a debate" or "organize a debate" may provide subtle nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct a debate

Replaces "hold" with "conduct", emphasizing the management of the debate.

organize a debate

Focuses on the planning and preparation aspect of the debate.

stage a debate

Suggests a more formal or theatrical presentation of the debate.

host a debate

Emphasizes the role of providing the venue or platform for the debate.

arrange a debate

Similar to organize, but slightly less formal.

schedule a debate

Highlights the act of setting a time and place for the debate.

convene a debate

Implies a formal gathering or assembly for the purpose of debating.

undertake a debate

Suggests a serious and deliberate engagement in the debate process.

institute a debate

Implies establishing or initiating a debate as a regular practice.

preside over a debate

Highlights the act of moderating or leading the debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold a debate" to suggest organizing a formal discussion on a specific topic. For example, "The school decided to "hold a debate" on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "hold a debate"?

Alternatives include "conduct a debate", "organize a debate", or "stage a debate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "hold a debate" or "have a debate"?

Both "hold a debate" and "have a debate" are acceptable, but "hold a debate" often implies a more formal or organized event. "Have a debate" can be used in more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "hold a debate" and "moderate a debate"?

"Hold a debate" refers to organizing and conducting the entire event. "Moderate a debate", on the other hand, means to preside over the debate and guide the discussion, often ensuring fair participation and adherence to rules.