matter of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of debate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is open to opinion or discussion. For example, "The appropriate penalty for drug dealing is a matter of debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a matter of debate.

Independent

This claim is a matter of debate.

The Economist

Why is still a matter of debate.

The New York Times - Science

How much is a matter of debate.

The New York Times

Perhaps – it's a matter of debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite why is a matter of debate.

The Guardian - Music

How much Camilla cares is a matter of debate.

The New York Times

Which Super Bowl is a matter of debate.

The New York Times

What constitutes core battlefield ground is a matter of debate.

The Economist

This is a matter of debate and personal preference.

The New York Times

The importance of this factor is a matter of debate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of debate", clearly identify the specific issue or question that is being debated to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of debate" without specifying what exactly is being debated. Be specific and provide enough information for the reader to understand the point of contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of debate" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or predicate nominative, indicating something that is subject to discussion and disagreement. Ludwig's examples confirm its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of debate" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe issues that are open to discussion and disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When employing the phrase, ensure you clearly identify the specific issue being debated. While it is versatile, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "subject to discussion" or "point of contention" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig's numerous examples showcase the phrase's proper usage and demonstrate its effectiveness in framing unsettled questions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of contention

Highlights the aspect of active disagreement or dispute.

subject to discussion

Focuses on the aspect of open conversation and exploration of different perspectives rather than inherent disagreement.

bone of contention

Idiomatic expression that highlights the aspect of causing conflict or disagreement.

contested issue

Stresses the idea of active opposition or challenge.

disputable issue

Focuses on the characteristic of being able to be argued against or doubted.

arguable point

Stresses the quality of being able to be supported by reasons or evidence.

open to question

Emphasizes the uncertainty and possibility of being challenged or disproven.

controversial topic

Emphasizes the potential for strong disagreement and conflicting opinions.

unsettled question

Focuses on the lack of a definitive answer or resolution.

up for consideration

Highlights the aspect of evaluation and deliberation before a decision or conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of debate" to indicate that a particular issue is subject to disagreement or discussion. For example, "Whether the new policy will be effective is a "matter of debate"".

What phrases are similar to "matter of debate"?

Similar phrases include "subject to discussion", "open to question", and "point of contention".

Is "matter of debate" formal or informal?

"Matter of debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "matter of debate" and "matter of opinion"?

"Matter of debate" implies that there are arguments and evidence on both sides of an issue, while "matter of opinion" suggests that the issue is based on personal preferences or beliefs.