it is debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is debated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an opinion or topic that is being discussed or argued among people. For example: "The scientific validity of astrology is a subject that has been debated for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conversely, iRBC endothelial cytoadherence leads to upregulation of inflammation, although it is debated whether this occurs by iRBC cytoadherence on its own or whether other factors are necessary.

British Journal of Haematology

It is debated whether all forms of learning represent the same process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But some worry that the more it is debated, the less consensus will emerge.

The New York Times

It is debated whether the argument was over a disputed point, an unpaid debt or a love rival.

Independent

Their number will inevitably increase if MPs are shortsighted enough to support the assisted dying bill when it is debated on Friday.

The Guardian

It is debated whether this is true also at gestational diabetes.

Early Human Development

It is debated how closely our abilities of moral discernment are tied to our moral motivations.

SEP

It is debated whether chronic urogenital inflammations and infections may trigger the formation of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in semen.

European Urology

It is debated whether the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) can generate false positives by screening other disorders as bipolar, or identify sub-threshold bipolarity.

Journal of Affective Disorders

The criteria are in the appendix while it is debated whether menstruation should be considered as a migraine trigger, or if menstrual migraine is a distinct clinical entity.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

It is a hybrid bill, which means it is debated by both houses and goes through a longer parliamentary process than public bills.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is debated" to introduce an idea or fact for which there is considerable disagreement or conflicting evidence. This signals to the reader that the information is not universally accepted and encourages critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that "it is debated" without explaining the nature of the debate or the different perspectives involved. Provide enough information to give the reader a clear understanding of the issue and why it is being debated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is debated" functions as an introductory expression indicating that a particular point or issue is subject to discussion, disagreement, or uncertainty. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it sets the stage for presenting different perspectives or arguments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is debated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce topics subject to disagreement or discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that this phrase frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, signaling the presence of conflicting perspectives or unresolved issues. While alternatives like "it is contested" or "it is disputed" exist, "it is debated" offers a balanced tone suitable for a range of formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, remember to provide sufficient context for the reader to understand the nature and scope of the debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is contested

Replaces "debated" with "contested", implying a stronger sense of challenge or dispute.

it is disputed

Uses "disputed" instead of "debated", suggesting a disagreement or questioning of a fact or idea.

there is disagreement

Changes the structure to emphasize the existence of disagreement rather than the act of debating.

the matter is under discussion

Indicates that the topic is being actively considered, but doesn't necessarily imply a dispute.

there is controversy surrounding

Highlights the controversial nature of the topic, suggesting a public debate or disagreement.

opinions diverge on

Emphasizes the difference in opinions regarding the subject.

views are divided on

Similar to "opinions diverge", but focuses on the separation of viewpoints.

the issue is contentious

Highlights that the issue causes or is likely to cause an argument.

the point is arguable

Indicates that the statement is open to argument or question.

this remains an open question

Suggests that the issue is unresolved and still requires consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is debated" to introduce a topic or idea where there's significant disagreement or different points of view. For example, "It is debated whether climate change is entirely caused by human activity."

What's a more formal alternative to "it is debated"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "it is contested" or "it is disputed" depending on the context. These alternatives convey a stronger sense of disagreement.

What can I say instead of "it is debated" in less formal writing?

In less formal contexts, you might use phrases like "people disagree about" or "there's no agreement on" to express a similar idea.

Which is correct, "it is debated" or "it is being debated"?

Both "it is debated" and "it is being debated" are grammatically correct, but "it is debated" is more concise and often preferred. "It is being debated" suggests an ongoing debate at the moment of speaking.