it was debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was debated" is correct and widely used in written English.
It is used when discussing a topic or issue that was discussed or argued about by different parties. For example, "The legality of the stop-and-frisk policy was debated widely in the committees of local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After the film's release and unusually strong box office performance over its first two weeks, it was debated as the one film capable of surpassing Titanic's worldwide gross, and its continued strength perplexed box office analysts.

Wikipedia

Ms. Veneman said the Office of Management and Budget would decide how much money was available, and she promised that the administration would issue its response to the House farm bill before it was debated.

The New York Times

It was debated.

The New Yorker

"It was debated over and over again.

The New York Times

"It was debated at some length.

The Guardian

It was debated and thought through.

The New Yorker

"The longer it was debated, the more skeptical people became," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

It was debated more than a century ago by Christians and Muslims, during another upheaval.

The New York Times

It was debated by MPs last week for the first time in two years.

The Times

Until about two years ago, it was controversial and it was debated.

The Guardian - Business

Last year, hardliners sought to have the EVAW law overturned when it was debated in parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was debated" to introduce a topic that has multiple viewpoints or arguments. This sets the stage for exploring different perspectives on the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "it was debated" without specifying the subject or context of the debate. For instance, saying "it was debated" without mentioning what "it" refers to can confuse readers. Instead, be specific: "The new policy was debated extensively by the board members."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was debated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a specific topic or issue underwent a process of discussion and argument. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political matters to scientific inquiries. This construction emphasizes the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was debated" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a topic underwent discussion and argument. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase functions as a passive construction, emphasizing the action of debating rather than the actors involved. Understanding its usage and context is crucial for clear and effective communication. Remember to provide sufficient details to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "it was discussed" or "it was argued" to convey specific nuances. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter was discussed

Replaces "debated" with a more general term "discussed", indicating a less confrontational exchange.

the issue was argued

Substitutes "debated" with "argued", emphasizing the presence of conflicting viewpoints.

it was subject to discussion

Rephrases the sentence to highlight the act of discussing rather than the debate itself.

the proposal was contested

Focuses on the act of challenging or disputing a specific proposal.

the topic was under consideration

Indicates a more formal and thoughtful review process.

there was controversy surrounding it

Highlights the presence of conflicting opinions and public disagreement.

it was a matter of contention

Emphasizes that the issue caused disagreement and dispute.

the question was examined

Implies a closer inspection and analysis of the topic.

the point was deliberated

Suggests a careful and thorough discussion before a decision was made.

the motion was challenged

Highlights the act of formally disputing or opposing a motion.

FAQs

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

Use "it was debated" to indicate that a particular topic or issue was subject to discussion and argument. For example, "The proposed budget cuts "it was debated" extensively during the town hall meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was debated"?

You can use alternatives like "it was discussed", "it was argued", or "it was contested" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "The merits of the new policy "it was discussed" at length by the committee".

Is "it was debated" formal or informal?

"It was debated" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider using stronger verbs to convey the intensity of the discussion, such as "it was contested" or "it was challenged".

What is the difference between "it was debated" and "it was discussed"?

While both phrases indicate a conversation took place, "it was debated" implies a more contentious or argumentative exchange. "It was discussed" suggests a more general and potentially less confrontational conversation. For example, "The topic of climate change "it was discussed" in the seminar", whereas "The ethical implications of the experiment "it was debated" fiercely among the scientists".