launch a debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launch a debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when initiating a discussion or argument on a particular topic or issue. Example: "The organization decided to launch a debate on climate change policies to engage the community in meaningful dialogue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

SOMETIMES it is not easy for a judge to both fulfil the requirements of his job and splash enough ink in the process to launch a debate.

The Economist

The Unreported Britain project is intended to launch a debate about what we don't know – and why we don't know it.

The Guardian

In the Budget, Mr Osborne will state the MPC's annual remit and is likely to launch a debate, supported by Mr Carney, on whether it should change.

The Guardian - Business

Guéant's government has chosen a period of unprecedented tension and volatility in the Arab world to launch a debate about the negative influence of Islam on French society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wade goes beyond the Pirandellian proposition that illusion is reality to launch a debate about the shifting status of a dramatic or literary creation.

The Guardian

Playoffs (yes, they have playoffs, too!) in Mexico crown a champion in December and then the teams launch a debate about which players to drop or buy for the next season, which starts in January.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Two years ago, Poland and Norway launched a debate on possible NATO efforts toward this end.

The New York Times

The Daily Mail launched a debate on whether women would ever trust men to take it.

The Guardian

But no major Israeli leader, in government or opposition, has publicly raised an objection or launched a debate.

The New York Times

1921 The emergence of the Communist Party, which calls for the violent overthrow of the government, launches a debate in the nascent ANC about the means to achieve change.

Independent

In April of 1790 one of the foremost members of the assembly, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, introduced the subject and launched a debate that resulted in a directive to the French Academy of Sciences to prepare a report.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "launch a debate", ensure that the topic is clearly defined and relevant to the intended audience. This will help in fostering a focused and productive discussion.

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad topics when trying to "launch a debate". A narrowly focused topic encourages more specific and actionable discussion, while a broad one risks diffusion and lack of engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch a debate" functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and denotes the act of initiating or starting a discussion on a specific subject. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch a debate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of initiating a discussion or argument. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and is applicable across varied contexts. While not overly frequent, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business settings. Alternatives such as "initiate a debate" or "start a debate" offer similar meanings, and the key to effective usage lies in defining a clear and relevant topic. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a broad range of communications, from formal discussions to media publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launch a discussion

Replaces 'debate' with the more general term 'discussion', implying a less confrontational exchange.

initiate a debate

Uses 'initiate' as a synonym for 'launch', emphasizing the beginning of the debate.

start a debate

A simpler and more direct way of saying the same thing, suitable for informal contexts.

kick start a debate

Adds a sense of energy and momentum to the initiation of the debate.

spark a debate

Implies that the debate arises as a result of something that incites strong reactions.

trigger a debate

Suggests that the debate is a direct and perhaps unavoidable consequence of a particular action or event.

instigate a debate

Indicates a more deliberate and potentially contentious initiation of the debate.

foster a debate

Suggests that you are creating the right conditions for a debate to naturally occur.

open up a debate

Emphasizes the action of making a debate possible, bringing it into the public sphere.

stage a debate

Implies a more formal or organized setting for the debate.

FAQs

What does it mean to "launch a debate"?

To "launch a debate" means to initiate or start a formal discussion or argument on a particular topic, often with the intention of exploring different viewpoints and reaching a consensus or decision.

What are some alternatives to "launch a debate"?

Alternatives include "initiate a debate", "start a debate", "spark a debate", or "trigger a debate", each carrying slightly different nuances of meaning.

How can I effectively "launch a debate"?

To effectively "launch a debate", you should clearly define the topic, provide relevant background information, and ensure that all participants have an equal opportunity to express their views. Consider establishing ground rules for respectful communication.

Is "launch a debate" formal or informal?

"Launch a debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the setting and the nature of the discussion. More formal settings might benefit from using alternatives like "initiate a debate".