securing the debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "securing the debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of ensuring that a debate is conducted in a fair, organized, or controlled manner. Example: "The moderator played a crucial role in securing the debate, ensuring that all participants had equal time to express their views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But it does not mention Ahmad and the e-petition, with Dominic Raab – the MP who was instrumental in securing the debate – refusing to insert the key phrase "pending cases" into the motion, which would have included people facing extradition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gentleman on securing the debate.

BBC

Geoffrey Cox, Conservative MP for Torridge and West Devon, said securing the debate was one of a "series of actions" to put pressure on the British government.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Mr Morris, who secured the debate, said that Britain had "a unique historical connection – and a moral responsibility to the people of both Israel and Palestine".

Independent

"My concern has been that the debate so far has concentrated on the impact on the constituencies on the route," said the North Warwickshire Tory MP, Dan Byles, who helped secure the debate.

The Guardian

Julian Huppert, the Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, who secured the debate with Raab, said: "The secretary who looks at the D notices has confirmed that he has seen nothing published in the Guardian that would present a risk to life".

The Guardian

Despite a promise to enshrine the 0.7% aid commitment into law – it appeared in the manifestos of all three main political parties in 2010 – it took a private member's bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Michael Moore in September 2014, to secure the debate.

The Guardian

Aberdeen North Labour MP Frank Doran, who secured the adjournment debate, said there was a need for a full public inquiry following the loss of many lives in recent years.

BBC

ITV was so confident about securing the seven-way leaders' debate that it is said to have already started building the set for the broadcast, which will be hosted by ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham.

The Guardian

The law has recharged the national debate over securing the border and what to do about the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country.

The New York Times

But speaking to BBC Newsnight, Lord Darzi - one of the country's top surgeons - said the debate should focus on securing the best possible care - regardless of where it comes from.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "securing the debate", consider whether you are referring to the act of arranging it, ensuring it happens, or controlling its content. The context will dictate the most appropriate alternative if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "securing the debate" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler terms like "arranging" or "setting up."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "securing the debate" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where "securing" acts as a gerund or present participle modifying the noun "debate". It indicates the action of ensuring that a debate is arranged or guaranteed to happen, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "securing the debate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of ensuring a debate occurs. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While alternatives exist, such as "ensuring the discussion" or "facilitating the debate", the best choice depends on the specific context. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose simpler terms for casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensuring the discussion

Focuses on guaranteeing the discussion happens, slightly broader than a debate.

guaranteeing the debate

Implies a stronger level of certainty that the debate will occur.

facilitating the debate

Emphasizes making the debate easier to conduct rather than just ensuring it happens.

arranging the debate

Highlights the logistical aspect of setting up the debate.

establishing the debate

Focuses on initiating or creating the debate.

organizing the debate

Emphasizes the structured nature and management of the debate.

procuring the debate

Involves obtaining or acquiring the opportunity for a debate.

assuring the debate

Similar to guaranteeing but may imply a personal promise or commitment.

confirming the debate

Focuses on verifying or validating that the debate is scheduled.

effecting the debate

Suggests bringing the debate into being or making it happen.

FAQs

How can I use "securing the debate" in a sentence?

You can use "securing the debate" to describe the act of ensuring a debate takes place, as in "The politician was instrumental in securing the debate on climate change."

What's a simpler way to say "securing the debate"?

Alternatives include "ensuring the discussion", "facilitating the debate", or "organizing the debate" depending on the context.

Is "securing the debate" formal or informal?

"Securing the debate" leans towards the formal side. For less formal situations, consider using phrases like "setting up the debate" or "arranging the debate".

What is the difference between "securing the debate" and "winning the debate"?

"Securing the debate" refers to ensuring that the debate takes place, while "winning the debate" means successfully arguing your point of view during the debate. They address completely different aspects of the debate process.