in the midst of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the midst of debate" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is happening or occurring during a discussion or argument. Here is an example sentence: "The politician's controversial statement sparked even more heated discussions, with both sides fiercely defending their positions in the midst of debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fran Toms, also of Manchester City Council, says it's put artists back in the midst of debate, but that discussion has only grown from there.

The Guardian

Thirteen months ago, in the midst of debate over a no-confidence vote in the government of Prime Minister Andris Skele, the Parliament called a recess, and the entire chamber -- Mr. Skele included -- sat down to watch the national team play Russia in the World Ice Hockey Championships.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some lawyers advise politicians to forgo fund-raising events in the midst of debates to avoid an appearance problem.

The New York Times

It came in the midst of debates in France and the Netherlands over the wearing of head scarves or veils, and followed a referendum vote in Switzerland against building minarets.

The New York Times

If we were not at a crucial moment for the Republic, in the midst of debates about health care reform, foreign wars and the economy, the poseur senators might have elicited a few light laughs from the public.

The New York Times

In the midst of debates about the project this summer, Chris Tacy penned an evocative blog post attacking San Francisco's gentrification and legions of striving, app-creating entrepreneurs, who he described as "rich and privileged and entitled or hustling as hard as they can to become rich and privileged and entitled".

The New Yorker

Even in the midst of debates about education policy and financing, we hold dear the fundamental promise of this ritual -- a season bearing new ideas, friends and futures.

Huffington Post

On the other hand, the public and the establishment accept that it's a problem and are in the midst of debating solutions.

Huffington Post

There's a lot of debate today about what America's priorities ought to be, and in the midst of the debate we hear lots of shouting and accusations.

Huffington Post

In the midst of this debate, Ms. Munich submitted her resignation, effective Feb. 1, 2006.

The New York Times

"Congress is in the midst of a debate on the Trans-Pacific Partnership [TPP, an agreement with 12 Asian countries].

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the midst of debate" to add a sense of immediacy or urgency to a situation, emphasizing that actions are occurring while a discussion is actively underway. This can highlight the importance or relevance of those actions.

Common error

Ensure you're not confusing "midst" (meaning 'middle') with "mist" (a light fog). Using 'in the mist of debate' would be grammatically incorrect and alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the midst of debate" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the time or circumstances during which an action occurs. Ludwig AI shows it describing situations actively unfolding during discussions. For example, 'it's put artists back in the midst of debate'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the midst of debate" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something occurring during an active discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct, although not exceedingly common. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase emphasizes the concurrent nature of an event and an ongoing debate, often highlighting the tension or relevance of the situation. Alternatives like "amidst the discussion" or "during the controversy" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish 'midst' from 'mist' to maintain clarity. Remember that it suggests an ongoing debate and not what comes after the debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst the discussion

Replaces "debate" with the more general term "discussion", suggesting a less formal exchange.

in the middle of the discussion

Changes 'midst' for 'middle'

in the thick of the discussion

Emphasizes the intensity and involvement in the debate.

during the controversy

Shifts the focus to a contentious issue rather than a formal debate.

at the heart of the argument

Highlights the central point where the debate is focused.

at the center of the controversy

Highlights the central point where the debate is focused. Changes 'heart' for 'center'

surrounded by the controversy

Indicates being enveloped or affected by the debate.

during the heat of the argument

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional aspect of the debate.

while the debate rages on

Implies that the debate is ongoing and intense.

as the discussion unfolds

Focuses on the progression and development of the debate.

FAQs

How can I use "in the midst of debate" in a sentence?

You can use "in the midst of debate" to indicate that something is happening while a discussion or argument is actively taking place. For example: "The decision was made "in the midst of debate" over the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "in the midst of debate"?

Some alternatives include "amidst the discussion", "during the controversy", or "at the heart of the argument", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in the middle of debate" instead of "in the midst of debate"?

Yes, "in the middle of debate" is also correct and carries a similar meaning to ""in the midst of debate"". The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "in the midst of debate" and "in the wake of debate"?

"In the midst of debate" means during the debate, while "in the wake of debate" implies something happening after the debate has concluded, often as a consequence or result of it.