spur debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"spur debate" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should motivate people to start a discussion or argument about a particular topic. For example: "The government's decision to raise taxes has spurred debate over its fiscal policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It may, at most, spur debate.

The Guardian - Money

Museums are supposed to spur debate about historical controversies.

The New York Times

The vacancies are likely to spur debate over the Fed's priorities.

The New York Times

The question of how much credit Mr. Giuliani deserves for the crime reduction continues to spur debate.

The New York Times

Another new rule that is sure to spur debate requires airlines and ticket agents to include all government taxes and fees in every advertised price.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. De Geer hopes that his paper will at least spur debate and encourage a closer look at the mysterious emissions from 2010.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The biting, sometimes funny back-and-forth dialogue between these strong-willed people becomes an Everyman-Everywoman argument that is likely to spur debates among couples who take sides in this seesawing conversation.

The New York Times

The change has spurred debate within the protest movement.

The New York Times

The proposals have spurred debate over whether Berkeley should break away from Yale.

The New York Times

That federal case has spurred debate over whether sanctions for protesting have intensified.

The New York Times

Suárez's actions spurred debate about sportsmanship, and whether he should be given a more stern penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spur debate" when you want to emphasize that something is likely to cause a discussion, especially one with multiple viewpoints and potential disagreements.

Common error

While "spur debate" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "foster discussion" or "stimulate discourse" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spur debate" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of initiating or encouraging a discussion, often on a contentious topic. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the impact of events or decisions on public discourse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spur debate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the initiation of a discussion, especially one involving differing opinions. According to Ludwig, the expression is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "incite discussion" or "prompt discussion" exist, "spur debate" effectively conveys the idea of something encouraging or causing a debate to begin. Therefore, when writing, consider your audience and context to best deploy this tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt discussion

This alternative is very similar in meaning, suggesting a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

stimulate debate

This alternative suggests a more gentle and gradual encouragement of debate.

incite discussion

This alternative uses a more aggressive verb, suggesting a stronger impetus for debate.

give rise to debate

This alternative focuses on the creation or origination of the debate.

trigger discussion

This alternative implies a rapid and potentially uncontrolled start to the debate.

generate discussion

This alternative focuses on the act of producing discussion rather than initiating a debate.

ignite debate

This option brings more intensity than the original expression, depicting the start of a fierce controversy.

fuel the debate

This alternative emphasizes the continuation and intensification of an existing debate.

foment debate

This alternative suggests stirring up a debate, often with a negative connotation.

spark controversy

This version focuses on the polemical aspect and the potentially heated discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "spur debate" to indicate that a particular event, statement, or action is likely to initiate a discussion or argument. For example: "The new policy is expected to "spur debate" among economists."

What are some alternatives to "spur debate"?

Some alternatives to "spur debate" include "prompt discussion", "incite discussion", and "stimulate debate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

Is "spur debate" formal or informal?

"Spur debate" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Consider options like "foster discussion" or "stimulate discourse" for higher formality.

What's the difference between "spur debate" and "spark controversy"?

"Spur debate" implies initiating a discussion with various viewpoints, while "spark controversy" suggests initiating a heated and potentially polarizing argument. The latter carries a stronger connotation of disagreement and conflict.