is being debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is currently under discussion or consideration by a group of people. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy is being debated among the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That statement can — and is — being debated.

The Washington Post

What should qualify as liquid assets also is being debated.

The New York Times

This is being debated in a lively way.

The New York Times

The appropriation is being debated by the full House.

The New York Times

Our effectiveness can be — and still is being — debated.

The New York Times

When an essential political question is being debated, it's better for everyone to know it.

The New Yorker

It is difficult to imagine England without the church whose future is being debated now.

The New Yorker

Similar legislation is being debated in California.America's Freelancers Union has also been growing rapidly.

The Economist

A new constitution, featuring presidential rule, is being debated in Parliament.

The New Yorker

"Collectivizing debt — as is being debated — would on the contrary overburden strong states and weaken Europe".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the issue is being debated in a growing number of capitals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is being debated", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the debating. Providing specific groups or entities adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is being debated" without specifying the scope or context of the debate. For instance, instead of saying "the topic is being debated", specify where the debate is taking place, such as "the topic is being debated in academic circles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being debated" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase. It indicates that a subject is currently undergoing the action of being debated. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is being debated" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate that a subject is currently under discussion and scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently used across various reputable sources. The phrase appears most often in news and media contexts, with a neutral register, signaling that it's appropriate for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "is under discussion" or "is being challenged" can add nuance, using "is being debated" effectively involves specifying the context and participants in the debate to ensure clarity and impact. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clearly define where the debate is occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subject to debate

Highlights that a topic is prone to different opinions and arguments, emphasizing the inherent controversy.

is a matter of debate

Similar to "is subject to debate" but emphasizes the inherent nature of the topic as controversial.

is under discussion

Highlights the act of talking about a topic, implying a broader, less formal exchange of ideas.

is at issue

Points out the central problem or point of disagreement, emphasizing the importance of the matter.

is up for discussion

Indicates that something is available to be talked about, often suggesting openness to different viewpoints.

is under consideration

Focuses on the act of thinking about something before making a decision, suggesting a more formal evaluation process.

is in contention

Implies that something is subject to disagreement or dispute, suggesting a more polarized environment.

is being questioned

Focuses on the act of inquiring about something, implying a search for clarity or justification.

is being challenged

Emphasizes that something is being questioned or opposed, indicating a more confrontational scenario.

is currently under scrutiny

Highlights that something is being carefully examined, implying a critical and detailed assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "is being debated" in a sentence?

You can use "is being debated" to indicate that a topic or issue is currently under discussion and disagreement. For example, "The new economic policy "is being debated" in Congress."

What are some alternatives to "is being debated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is under discussion", "is under consideration", or "is being challenged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is debated" or "is being debated"?

"Is debated" implies a general or habitual action, while ""is being debated"" indicates a current, ongoing process. The choice depends on whether you're referring to an ongoing discussion or a general state of affairs.

What is the difference between "is being debated" and "is controversial"?

"Is being debated" suggests an active discussion with differing viewpoints, whereas "is controversial" indicates that something is likely to cause disagreement or offense, regardless of whether it's currently being discussed.