subject of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject of debate" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic that is up for debate, meaning that it is a topic that people have different opinions about. Example: The effects of climate change is a subject of debate in the scientific community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Urbanization is still the subject of debate.

The New York Times

Borders are a subject of debate.

The New York Times

Caravans are an endless subject of debate.

The New York Times

The etiology of this disease remains a subject of debate.

European Psychiatry

Yet its origin remains a subject of debate.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Those are legitimate concerns, and rightly the subject of debate.

Stanford University

WHAT YOU'LL FIND Borders are a subject of debate.

The New York Times

What happened next is the subject of debate.

The New York Times

Protistan systematics remains a subject of debate and change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So specific cases often become a subject of debate.

The New York Times - Science

The future of Pemex is a subject of debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject of debate" to introduce complex topics that lack a consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "subject of debate" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "something people disagree about" or "up for discussion" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject of debate" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a topic or issue that is currently under discussion or disagreement. It introduces a matter where different viewpoints exist, as illustrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subject of debate" is a versatile phrase used to introduce topics with varying opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While acceptable in formal writing, remember to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. Knowing its function and purpose can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Using alternatives such as "matter of contention" can also enrich your prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of contention

Highlights the disagreement aspect more strongly.

point of discussion

Emphasizes the discussion aspect, suitable when the debate is more formal.

topic of controversy

Focuses on the controversial nature of the topic.

bone of contention

Implies a long-standing and significant disagreement.

open question

Highlights the unresolved nature of the issue.

unsettled issue

Focuses on the lack of a final resolution.

matter in dispute

Indicates a formal disagreement or legal challenge.

area of disagreement

Directly points to the specific area where opinions diverge.

contested topic

Stresses the challenge and opposition surrounding the topic.

debatable point

Highlights the characteristic of being open to argument and questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "subject of debate" in a sentence?

You can use "subject of debate" to introduce a topic where different opinions exist. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy is a subject of debate among the employees."

What can I say instead of "subject of debate"?

You can use alternatives like "matter of contention", "point of discussion", or "topic of controversy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "issue of debate" instead of "subject of debate"?

Yes, "issue of debate" is a valid alternative to "subject of debate". Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "subject of debate" and "matter of fact"?

"Subject of debate" implies that there are different opinions and arguments, while "matter of fact" suggests something that is undeniably true and not open to discussion.