schedule a debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "schedule a debate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to arranging a time for a formal discussion or argument on a specific topic. For example, "We need to schedule a debate on climate change for next week." Alternative expressions include "arrange a debate" and "set up a debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I've left messages for the League of Women Voters to see if they will schedule a debate.

The New York Times

Last week, Senate Democrats did not even bother to schedule a debate, let alone a vote, on the expiring Bush tax cuts.

The New York Times

He said that Saturday morning he'd spoken "with all four congressional leaders, and they've agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress comes back into session".

The New Yorker

So this morning, I spoke with all four congressional leaders, and they've agreed to schedule a debate and then a vote as soon as Congress comes back into session.

The New York Times

While the motivation, timing and political wisdom of the sweeping proposal by George W. Bush has been soundly attacked with reason, he does have a point in trying to schedule a debate before the Olympics start next Friday.

The New York Times

A16 Welfare Vote Urged More than half of the Senate, including many Democrats, urged the majority leader to schedule a debate on legislation to reauthorize the welfare program created by a 1996 law, which expires in three weeks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

(The candidates debated on Wednesday and scheduled a debate for Saturday).

The New York Times

(Politico edged ahead of Fox News, which scheduled a debate for May 5).

The New York Times

The 271-to-142 vote sent the bill to the Senate, where the majority leader, Tom Daschle, Democrat of South Dakota, expressed little enthusiasm for scheduling a debate.

The New York Times

The chair of the Petitions Committee, Helen Jones MP, said: "By scheduling a debate on these petitions, the Committee is not expressing a view on whether or not the Government should exclude Donald Trump from the UK".

Independent

On Monday night Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel, under pressure from his base on the right, scheduled a debate about the fence for the full cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "schedule a debate", ensure all participants are available and have confirmed their attendance for the set date and time. Confirm logistics like venue, time and moderation process well in advance.

Common error

Don't use "schedule a debate" when your intention is to discuss the debate's content or moderate it. "Schedule" refers to the logistical arrangement, not the debate's execution or topic selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "schedule a debate" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of arranging or planning a formal discussion. It is typically used to describe the process of setting a time and date for a debate, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "schedule a debate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly within the realm of news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers numerous examples of its use in context. When using this phrase, remember that it refers to the logistical arrangement of a debate, not the debate itself. Consider alternatives such as ""arrange a debate"" or "organize a debate" for nuanced meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for professional communication. Always ensure all participants confirm attendance after you schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange a debate

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning, focusing on the act of arranging rather than specifically scheduling.

organize a debate

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of setting up the debate.

set up a debate

An informal alternative, highlighting the act of preparing and establishing a debate.

plan a debate

Focuses on the planning stage of arranging a debate.

fix a debate

Suggests setting a firm date and time for the debate.

establish a debate

Highlights the act of formally creating or starting a debate.

coordinate a debate

Emphasizes the need for coordination and collaboration to bring the debate to life.

line up a debate

Implies getting all the necessary components and participants in place.

put a debate on the calendar

Focuses on adding the debate to an official schedule or itinerary.

determine a debate's date

Centers on the act of choosing a specific date for the debate.

FAQs

What does "schedule a debate" mean?

The phrase "schedule a debate" means to arrange a specific time and date for a formal discussion or argument on a particular topic. It involves coordinating the participants, location, and other logistical details.

How can I "arrange a debate" effectively?

To effectively "arrange a debate", start by identifying the key participants and their availability. Then, choose a convenient date, time, and location that accommodate all attendees. Ensure clear communication and confirmation from everyone involved.

What are some alternatives to "schedule a debate"?

You can use alternatives like ""arrange a debate"", "organize a debate", or "set up a debate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "schedule a debate" or "scheduled a debate"?

"Schedule a debate" is an infinitive phrase suggesting a future action. "Scheduled a debate" indicates a past action that has already been arranged. The correct choice depends on the context.