reason for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reason for debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open to differing opinions or arguments. Example: "The proposed policy change has become a reason for debate among community members, with many expressing their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And once you know that it's blue and black, if you have even a rudimentary understanding of the way that light affects color perception, there is no longer a reason for debate.

TechCrunch

The ubiquitous nature of the virus and the retrospective evidence of this infection long before disease appearance provided the reason for debate about the real capabilities of this virus in its association with the disease.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are the reason for debating!

WikiHow

Reasons for debate range from knowledge about cases of motion sickness that are generally reported in both train types.

Urban Rail Transit

For example, it is one reason for the debate over the popular diabetes drug Avandia, or rosiglitazone.

The New York Times - Health

Part of the reason for this debate is the welcome arrival of many such voices on social media, where international coverage is mulled and dissected.

The Economist

The reason for this debate is that doctors are not overseen by the F.D.A. Medicine is regulated by state medical boards, which generally let doctors prescribe drugs and devices as they see fit regardless of F.D.A. judgments.

The New York Times

One important reason for this debate is ignorance about the regulatory effect of organizational characteristics on that relationship.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

A Fifa spokeswoman confirmed the venue change was under discussion but gave no reason for its debate.

BBC

A main reason for the debate is the different methodological designs of previous studies.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Another reason for this debate stems from the multiple and complex processes implicated in achieving UHC.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reason for debate", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific issue or factor that is prompting the discussion or disagreement. Providing context helps clarify the subject at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "reason for debate" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound repetitive or vague. Consider using more precise alternatives like "grounds for contention" or "subject of controversy" to add nuance and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reason for debate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the cause or justification that prompts discussion or disagreement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. In the examples, it introduces topics subject to differing opinions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reason for debate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that introduces a topic or issue open to discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression. While suitable for various contexts, it's helpful to consider more precise alternatives like "basis for discussion" or "grounds for contention" for nuanced writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for news, academic, and general discussions, while avoiding overuse ensures clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis for discussion

Changes "debate" to "discussion", focusing on a more general exchange of ideas.

grounds for contention

Replaces "reason" with "grounds" and "debate" with "contention", highlighting disagreement.

cause for argument

Substitutes "reason" with "cause" and "debate" with "argument", emphasizing conflict.

subject of controversy

Shifts the focus to the topic itself being controversial, rather than the reason for the debate.

matter of dispute

Replaces "reason" with "matter" and "debate" with "dispute", suggesting a formal disagreement.

impetus for discussion

Uses "impetus" to indicate the driving force behind the discussion, rather than a specific reason.

justification for deliberation

Replaces "reason" with "justification" and "debate" with "deliberation", suggesting careful consideration.

rationale for disagreement

Emphasizes the logical basis for the disagreement rather than the act of debating.

point of contention

Highlights the specific issue that is being disputed.

source of controversy

Focuses on where the controversy originates, rather than the reason for debating it.

FAQs

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

You can use "reason for debate" to introduce a topic or issue that is subject to discussion and disagreement. For example: "The new policy has become a significant "reason for debate" among stakeholders."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "basis for discussion", "grounds for contention", or "subject of controversy".

What's the difference between "reason for debate" and "matter of dispute"?

"Reason for debate" generally refers to the underlying cause or justification for a discussion, whereas "matter of dispute" highlights the specific point or issue that is being disagreed upon. The latter implies a stronger sense of disagreement.

Is "reason for debate" formal or informal?

"Reason for debate" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "justification for deliberation" or "rationale for disagreement" to convey a more nuanced meaning.