kick off debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kick off debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initiation or start of a discussion or argument on a particular topic. Example: "The moderator will kick off the debate by introducing the first question to the panelists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our aim with this enquiry was to kick off debate in a significant year, when political parties will be setting out their manifestos and policy observers will be remembering Jennie Lee.

The Guardian

The University of Denver will kick off debate season on Wednesday, October 3rd, when President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney square off in Colorado's capital city.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kick off the debate and make the case for your favourite.

The Guardian - Music

The series Mad Men, and its take on 1960s Madison Avenue, has kicked off debates about whether the drinking, the skirt-chasing and even the cut of the characters' lapels are "real".

Huffington Post

And since Koeman was there, watching on Monday, television announcers could not resist asking him to kick off the debate.

The New York Times - Sports

The organisers hope that such initiatives kick off a debate among consumers on the issue of female empowerment.

The Guardian

To kick off the debate, we'd like you to make the case for your favourite Dexys album.

The Guardian - Music

To kick off the debate, we'd like you to make the case for your favourite Blur album.

The Guardian - Music

Ed Husic at the "peoples forum" debate with PM Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at Rooty Hill RSL in Sydney's west this evening, Wednesday 28th August 2013 Mike Bowers/The Global Mail Kevin Rudd will kick off the debate this evening, and Tony Abbott will close the discussion.

The Guardian

(BBC2), Phillips hopes to kick off a debate on the wisdom of introducing the test, which she fears will cause the number of terminations to go up here, too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To kick off the debate, here are 10 proposals for a better world after Bush. 1) A fair global deal on climate change The transition between the US election and the presidential inauguration will be a crucial period in post-Bali diplomacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kick off debate" when you want to emphasize the initiation or start of a discussion, especially in a context where you're actively encouraging or causing it to begin.

Common error

While acceptable, "kick off debate" can sound informal in very formal contexts. In academic papers or high-level business reports, consider alternatives like "initiate a debate" or "commence the debate" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kick off debate" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of starting or initiating a debate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing its common usage in news and media to describe the commencement of discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kick off debate" is a correct and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to denote the commencement of a debate or discussion. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness, particularly within news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys the initiation of a discussion. Consider alternatives such as "initiate a debate" or "start a debate" depending on the desired level of formality. "Kick off debate" is a helpful phrase for clearly communicating the beginning of a significant discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a debate

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more formal verb.

start a debate

Uses a simpler verb to convey the same meaning.

open the debate

Directly states that the debate is now beginning.

launch a debate

Emphasizes the formal introduction of a debate.

commence the debate

A more formal and ceremonial way to begin.

spark a debate

Suggests a debate that arises more spontaneously.

trigger a debate

Implies a more forceful start, possibly due to controversy.

set off a debate

Similar to 'trigger,' but slightly less forceful.

inaugurate a debate

A formal and somewhat rare term for starting something.

get the debate rolling

More informal and suggests a gradual start to the debate.

FAQs

What does "kick off debate" mean?

The phrase "kick off debate" means to start or initiate a discussion or argument on a particular subject. It suggests actively beginning a period of discussion.

How can I use "kick off debate" in a sentence?

You can use "kick off debate" like this: "The university president's speech will "kick off debate" about tuition fees." or "The report aims to "kick off debate" about educational reforms."

What are some alternatives to "kick off debate"?

Alternatives include "initiate a debate", "start a debate", or "launch a debate". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "kick off debate" formal or informal?

The phrase "kick off debate" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "commence the debate".