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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is debated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"is debated" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase for written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a topic is being discussed or argued, usually in a more intellectual or philosophical manner. For example, "The influence of religion in modern culture is debated widely."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
And their success is debated.
News & Media
Obesity's effect, however, is debated.
News & Media
What causes their creation is debated.
News & Media
Further aid for Greece is debated.
News & Media
However, his treatment of the American Indians is debated.
Encyclopedias
Whether his policies were entirely responsible is debated by experts.
News & Media
Tomorrow the TTIP is debated in the House of Commons.
News & Media
Tomorrow: Israel's future is debated.
News & Media
The matter is debated by scholars.
Science
The "sterile womb" paradigm is debated.
TPH-1 association with schizophrenia is debated.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "is debated" to introduce a topic where there are multiple viewpoints or a lack of consensus. It is particularly useful in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts where objectivity is important.
Common error
Avoid using "is debated" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "people disagree about" or "it's not settled" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is debated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a particular topic or issue is the subject of discussion and disagreement. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
42%
News & Media
37%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Formal & Business
2%
Social Media
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "is debated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that a topic is subject to discussion and disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. While it is suitable for formal and neutral registers, it should be used sparingly in informal contexts where simpler phrasing may be more appropriate. When seeking alternative ways to express the same idea, consider phrases like "is under discussion" or "is contested".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is under discussion
Focuses on the process of discussion rather than the disagreement aspect.
is in question
Emphasizes doubt or uncertainty surrounding a topic.
is contested
Highlights the presence of active dispute or opposition.
is disputed
Similar to contested, but can also imply a more formal challenge.
is up for debate
A more conversational way of saying something is open to discussion.
is a matter of contention
Highlights that the topic is a cause of argument or disagreement.
remains unresolved
Focuses on the lack of a definitive answer or agreement.
is open to interpretation
Suggests that different viewpoints are possible and valid.
is subject to controversy
Emphasizes the controversial nature of the topic.
is an open question
Indicates the issue has no definitive answer and is still being researched or considered.
FAQs
How to use "is debated" in a sentence?
Use "is debated" when introducing a topic or subject that is under discussion or dispute. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy "is debated" among experts."
What can I say instead of "is debated"?
You can use alternatives like "is under discussion", "is contested", or "is disputed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Which is correct, "is debated" or "is being debated"?
Both ""is debated"" and "is being debated" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is debated" implies a general state of discussion, while "is being debated" suggests an ongoing or current debate.
What's the difference between "is debated" and "is discussed"?
"Is debated" implies a level of disagreement or contention, while "is discussed" simply means a topic is being talked about. "Is discussed" does not necessarily indicate disagreement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested