is an ongoing debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is an ongoing debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or argument that is currently happening and has not yet been resolved. Example: "The impact of climate change on global economies is an ongoing debate among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But anyway, this is an ongoing debate.

University of California, Berkeley

However, there is an ongoing debate surrounding SSB calorie compensation.

Appetite

Overseas, too, there is an ongoing debate about these matters.

The New Yorker

It's refreshing that this is an ongoing debate.

The Economist

There is an ongoing debate concerning the perception and neural representation of space in neglect.

Neuropsychologia

There is an ongoing debate on how ECG interpretation should be taught during undergraduate medical training.

Journal of Electrocardiology

The optimal revascularization strategy for patients with diabetes is an ongoing debate.

The American Journal of Cardiology

There is an ongoing debate whether energy efficiency retrofits save energy in practice.

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management

Second, there is an ongoing debate regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of individual interventions.

Psychiatry

There is an ongoing debate over how these rocks rise to the surface.

Columbia University

There is an ongoing debate over the effectiveness of fact-checking by newspapers and independent organizations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is an ongoing debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of the debate. For instance, specify what aspects are being debated to provide clarity and focus for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "is an ongoing debate" without specifying the core issues involved. This can lead to vagueness and leave the reader wondering what specific points are being contested. Instead, provide specific examples or aspects of the debate to make your writing more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is an ongoing debate" functions as a declarative statement introducing a topic of contention or discussion. As Ludwig indicates, it signifies that a particular subject is currently being actively debated and lacks a definitive conclusion. The examples confirm its use across varied disciplines and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is an ongoing debate" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to introduce topics characterized by continued discussion and disagreement. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is used across numerous contexts, particularly within scientific, news, and academic spheres. To enhance clarity, it is important to specify the central issue being debated. When writing, be mindful of overgeneralization by always identifying the specific debate you are referencing. You may also want to replace it with similar expressions such as "is a continuing discussion", or "is a matter of continuing discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a continuing discussion

Replaces "debate" with "discussion", softening the implication of conflict.

is a matter of continuing discussion

Emphasizes that the subject remains under consideration.

is a subject of continuing debate

Highlights the topic as the central point of disagreement.

is a persistent controversy

Substitutes "debate" with "controversy", stressing the contentious nature of the issue.

remains a topic of debate

Focuses on the continuation of the debate over time.

remains an open question

Indicates that the issue is not yet resolved and is still being explored.

is still under discussion

Simple alternative emphasizing the lack of resolution.

is subject to ongoing discussion

Highlights the continuous nature of the discussion surrounding the topic.

remains a contested issue

Uses "contested issue" to underscore the disputed nature.

is an unresolved question

Emphasizes that the issue has not been settled.

FAQs

How can I use "is an ongoing debate" in a sentence?

You can use "is an ongoing debate" to introduce a topic that is currently being discussed and argued about, like "Whether or not artificial intelligence will replace human jobs "is an ongoing debate" among economists."

What's a good alternative to "is an ongoing debate"?

Alternatives include "is a continuing discussion", "is a matter of continuing discussion", or "remains an open question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is an ongoing debate" or "there is an ongoing debate"?

Both "is an ongoing debate" and "there is an ongoing debate" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis.

What makes a debate "ongoing"?

A debate is considered "ongoing" when there is no clear resolution or consensus, and the discussion continues over time, often with differing viewpoints and arguments.