ongoing debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"ongoing debate" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a discussion or exchange of views that is still ongoing with no resolution in sight. For example: "The ongoing debate about the measure has failed to reach a clear conclusion thus far."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A summary of the ongoing debate.

The New Yorker

An insightful contribution to an ongoing debate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since then there has been ongoing debate.

The Guardian

Overseas, too, there is an ongoing debate about these matters.

The New Yorker

It's refreshing that this is an ongoing debate.

The Economist

This is a matter of ongoing debate among geologists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is why we have this ongoing debate," he added.

The New York Times - Health

That confirmation will stoke an ongoing debate.

Science Magazine

However, there is an ongoing debate surrounding SSB calorie compensation.

Appetite

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the reliability of published research.

Research Policy

There is an ongoing debate regarding boys being the new problem group (Hurrelmann and Schultz 2012).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing debate", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and participants involved in the debate for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing debate" without specifying the topic or relevance, as this can make your writing vague. Provide specific details to maintain reader engagement and comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It encapsulates the idea of a discussion that is currently in progress, as confirmed by Ludwig and illustrated through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ongoing debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a discussion that is currently active and without a definite resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from scientific research to news reports, indicating its versatility and broad acceptance. The phrase serves to highlight topics that are still under consideration, inviting further investigation or analysis. While appropriate across diverse settings, it is crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. The presence of numerous examples in Ludwig underscores the phrase's common usage and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current discussion

Replaces "debate" with a more neutral term, implying a less adversarial exchange.

continuing controversy

Emphasizes the contentious aspect of the discussion.

unresolved argument

Highlights the lack of resolution in the discussion.

lingering dispute

Suggests the debate has persisted for a considerable time.

protracted discussion

Focuses on the extended duration of the debate.

perpetual disagreement

Implies a continuous and seemingly endless difference of opinion.

sustained dialogue

Highlights the continuous nature of the conversation.

enduring discussion

Focuses on the lasting nature of the debate.

live discussion

Highlights the current and active nature of the debate.

open question

Highlights the unresolved nature of the question.

FAQs

How can I use "ongoing debate" in a sentence?

You can use "ongoing debate" to describe a discussion or argument that is currently in progress and has not reached a conclusion. For example, "There is an ongoing debate about the effects of social media on teenagers".

What are some alternatives to "ongoing debate"?

Alternatives to "ongoing debate" include "current discussion", "continuing controversy", or "unresolved argument" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "ongoing debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "ongoing debate" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase suitable for academic, professional and journalistic contexts.

What makes a debate "ongoing"?

A debate is considered "ongoing" when the discussion or disagreement is still active, with differing opinions being expressed and no clear resolution or consensus reached.