open to debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open to debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a topic or issue is subject to discussion or differing opinions. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy is open to debate among the committee members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is open to debate.

Independent

All are open to debate.

The Economist

That's open to debate.

The New York Times - Tech

The exact number is open to debate.

The New York Times

Murray's first point is open to debate.

The New York Times - Sports

"Unfortunately, this still appears open to debate".

The Guardian

The reason is still open to debate.

The New York Times

"Or rather, it's open to debate".

The Guardian - Film

The truth is open to debate.

The New Yorker

Those issues are all open to debate".

The Guardian

What happens next is open to debate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open to debate", provide context to show why the matter is debatable and what different viewpoints exist. This enriches the discussion and gives the audience a complete view.

Common error

Avoid using "open to debate" to dismiss well-supported facts or findings. Instead, use it when there are legitimate differing interpretations or incomplete data that genuinely warrant discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to debate" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or idea. It qualifies a statement or topic, indicating that it is not definitively settled and allows for discussion or differing opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "open to debate" is grammatically sound and widely employed across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent usage, mainly in the fields of News & Media and Science. It serves the purpose of introducing subjectivity or uncertainty and inviting multiple perspectives on a specific subject. When you want to suggest that a topic is not definitively settled, or when diverse opinions should be considered, using "open to debate" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to discussion

Focuses on the process of discussing the topic rather than the uncertainty of the outcome.

up for discussion

Similar to 'subject to discussion', implying that the topic can be discussed and considered.

a matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the topic, where different viewpoints are valid.

arguable

Indicates that there are reasonable arguments on both sides of the issue.

controversial

Emphasizes the presence of strong disagreement and conflicting views.

disputable

Implies that the matter can be challenged or questioned.

under consideration

Suggests that the topic is still being reviewed and evaluated.

not settled

Directly states that the issue has not been resolved or agreed upon.

unresolved

Similar to 'not settled', implying that a solution or agreement has not been reached.

an open question

Frames the topic as a question that does not have a definite answer.

FAQs

How can I use "open to debate" in a sentence?

You can use "open to debate" to indicate that a topic is subject to discussion and differing opinions. For instance, "Whether this new strategy will succeed is "open to debate" among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "open to debate"?

Some alternatives to "open to debate" include "subject to discussion", "up for discussion", or "a matter of opinion", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "open to debate" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to acknowledge different perspectives or present a nuanced view. However, ensure that the tone remains professional and objective.

What's the difference between "open to debate" and "controversial"?

"Open to debate" indicates that there are differing opinions and room for discussion, whereas "controversial" emphasizes the presence of strong disagreement and conflicting views. While a controversial topic is often open to debate, not everything open to debate is necessarily controversial.