matter for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter for debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open to discussion or differing opinions. Example: "The effectiveness of remote work policies is a matter for debate among industry leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course it's a matter for debate.

The Guardian

Originalism in the courts is certainly a matter for debate.

The New Yorker

My womanhood is not a matter for debate.

The New York Times

Quite how young remains a matter for debate.

The Guardian

How serious these attempts were was a matter for debate.

The Guardian

In my view it isn't even a matter for debate.

The Guardian - Money

That circumstance is in itself a matter for debate.

The New York Times - Arts

Quite what provoked all this is a matter for debate.

The Guardian - Music

The many methodological and conceptual tools necessary are still matter for debate.

Archives des Maladies Professionnelles et de l'Environnement

You can decide yourselves whether this is a serious matter for debate.

The New York Times

Perhaps not surprisingly, Mr. Christie's personality, too, was matter for debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter for debate" when introducing a topic with multiple valid perspectives. This signals to the audience that differing opinions are welcome and expected.

Common error

Avoid using "matter for debate" to undermine valid claims. While some topics have nuanced perspectives, established facts should not be presented as mere opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter for debate" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or a subject complement. It identifies a topic or issue as being open to discussion and differing opinions, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter for debate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a topic is open to discussion and has multiple perspectives. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, it's best to introduce topics that genuinely have varying valid perspectives, and it should be avoided when stating obvious facts. Related phrases include "subject to discussion" and "debatable issue". The frequency of "matter for debate" across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debatable issue

Directly states that the issue is suitable for debate, emphasizing the existence of opposing viewpoints.

subject to discussion

Emphasizes the act of discussing the topic, highlighting its openness to different perspectives.

topic for discussion

A general term for a subject that can be discussed. It's neutral and doesn't necessarily imply disagreement.

open to question

Implies uncertainty or doubt, suggesting that the topic's validity is not fully established.

up for consideration

Suggests that the topic is being evaluated or weighed, often in a decision-making process.

disputed topic

Indicates that the topic is contested or challenged, suggesting that its validity or interpretation is in question.

contested issue

Similar to 'disputed topic', highlighting the fact that the issue is being actively challenged or opposed.

point of contention

Highlights the disagreement or conflict surrounding the topic, emphasizing opposing viewpoints.

arguable point

Focuses on the possibility of arguing different sides of the issue, suggesting that reasonable arguments exist for multiple positions.

area of controversy

Emphasizes the contentious nature of the topic, suggesting widespread disagreement or public debate.

FAQs

How can I use "matter for debate" in a sentence?

You can use "matter for debate" to introduce a topic that is open to different interpretations or opinions. For example, "Whether or not that was a smart move is a "matter for debate"."

What's the difference between "matter for debate" and "debatable issue"?

"Matter for debate" is a more general phrase indicating that a topic is open to discussion. "Debatable issue" specifically emphasizes that there are arguments for different sides of the issue.

What can I say instead of "matter for debate"?

You can use alternatives like "subject to discussion", "open to question", or "arguable point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "matter for debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "matter for debate" is suitable for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to introduce topics with varying perspectives.