subjects for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subjects for debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to topics or issues that are open for discussion or argument. Example: "The conference will cover various subjects for debate, including climate change and economic policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

All may be legitimate subjects for debate, but basing a complex argument on fragmented and archaic case histories is problematic both for science and for style.

The New York Times - Health

Members of the parliament could propose subjects for debate and call for votes, which could include - at worst - votes of no confidence in the arts council.

The Guardian - Arts

In his prose works and letters he established positions that would be central to the movement, and he broached issues that would be its favourite subjects for debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps the House for Essex would have been thought too esoteric ultimately to win (though what's wrong with the esoteric?) and the Philharmonic too nuanced (and ditto nuance?), but they would at least have been good subjects for debate.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Obama said that he and Mr. McCain had genuine differences about the course of the war in Iraq and the place of the United States in the world, but he said those were legitimate subjects for debate rather than personal vitriol.

The New York Times

"There are serious disagreements here, but all the disagreements are sanitized, everything is put through the washing machine, and it all gets blurred together," he says... The fraud was the notion that a self-selected group of reporters and editors somehow could or should determine the fit subjects for debate in an election..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He came up with the Backbench Business Committee, which would have the power to choose subjects for debates on vote-able motions on the floor of the Commons - when previously all major debates had been staged by the government or opposition parties.

BBC

Other subjects for debates include: NHS treatment for depersonalisation disorder (11am); the interdependence of modern farming and the environment (2.30 pm); online gambling protection (4pm) and lower earnings limit for automatic enrolment (4.30 pm).

BBC

A good subject for debate.

The New York Times

Why remains a subject for debate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Among experts, this isn't really a subject for debate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a list of potential discussion topics, use the phrase "subjects for debate" to clearly signal that these items are open for discussion and may have differing viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad terms like "things to talk about" when "subjects for debate" can provide a more specific indication of the nature of the discussion, particularly when differing opinions are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjects for debate" functions as a noun phrase, identifying topics or issues that are suitable for discussion and argument. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples include "legitimate subjects for debate" and "good subjects for debate."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subjects for debate" is a grammatically sound and widely understood noun phrase used to introduce topics open for discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news media and encyclopedic contexts. When employing the phrase, consider that it signals an invitation to discussion and potential disagreement. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "topics for discussion" or "issues for discussion", tailoring your selection to the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topics for discussion

Replaces "subjects" with "topics", offering a more general term for discussion points.

issues for discussion

Substitutes "subjects" with "issues", emphasizing the importance or problematic nature of the debate.

matters for consideration

Replaces both "subjects" and "debate" with more formal terms, suggesting a thoughtful examination.

points for contention

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, highlighting the controversial nature of the subjects.

themes for discussion

Uses "themes" instead of "subjects", suggesting broader, overarching topics.

questions for deliberation

Emphasizes the questioning aspect and the need for careful consideration.

areas of controversy

Highlights the contentious nature of the topics, focusing on disagreement.

items for consideration

Offers a more neutral and general term for topics needing attention.

agendas for discussion

Presents the topics as part of a planned set of discussion points.

talking points

Offers an informal way to describe subjects ready for discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "subjects for debate" to introduce topics that are open for discussion or argument. For example, "The conference will cover various "subjects for debate", including climate change and economic policy."

What are some alternatives to "subjects for debate"?

Some alternatives to "subjects for debate" include "topics for discussion", "issues for discussion", or "matters for consideration", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "subjects for debate" in formal writing?

"Subjects for debate" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly indicate that certain topics are open for discussion and may involve differing opinions. It's appropriate in academic papers, policy discussions, and professional reports.

What's the difference between "subjects for debate" and "subjects for investigation"?

"Subjects for debate" implies that the topics are open for discussion and argument, while "subjects for investigation" suggests that the topics require further research and analysis to understand them fully.