table for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "table for debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open for discussion or consideration among a group. Example: "The proposal to change the company's policy is now tabled for debate during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Other universities should also promote the culture where ideas are "put on the table" for debate as they form, not jealously guarded.

The Guardian

So it is absolutely essential that any further generation of nuclear deterrent must take its place alongside all those other items – far more relevant to the action we really will be involved in – on the table for debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Presumably, the drafters of the legislation did not worry if all the pieces did not fit together in a coherent package because they were primarily interested in getting a bill on the table for debate and were confident it would be completely overhauled before anything was enacted.

The New York Times

The efforts of creationists to put global warming on the table for debate comes at a time when climate science is being increasingly politicized.

Huffington Post

When the Arizona state legislature reconvenes tomorrow for the first day of the new session, two gun bills will be on the table for debate.

Huffington Post

By arguing that the issue of legalization should be on the table for debate, Peña Nieto is signaling that he's prepared to move Mexico in the direction of its regional neighbors on the issue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then you can bring the diverse interests to the table for debates about time and specifics.

The New York Times

MPs should set up our own parliamentary website, and where petitions or proposals attracted overwhelming interest and support, parliament should consider, perhaps via its liaison committee composed of all its select committee chairs, whether some might be tabled for debate and vote on the floor of the house.

The Guardian - Opinion

The BBC's chief political correspondent, Laura Kuenssberg reports that the British government has decided to support a motion the opposition Labour Party has tabled for debate on Wednesday in the House of Commons, calling on News Corproation to withdraw its bid to take full control of the BSkyB satellite network.

The New York Times

Mr. McCain's aides suggested the attacks that he and his running mate had unleashed were intended to set the table for their debate in Nashville, one of the few high-profile moments Mr. McCain has left to reach voters across the country and present a disqualifying version of Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

The landscape of battered states and municipalities agonizing over public employee pensions and benefits and cuts to school programs has already put older interests and younger interests at potential loggerheads — and set the table for the debate about how society should divide its resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "table for debate" when you want to indicate that an issue or proposal is formally presented for discussion and decision-making. It often implies a structured environment, like a meeting or legislative session.

Common error

Avoid using "table for debate" in casual conversations. Opt for phrases like "open for discussion" or "let's talk about it" for more natural-sounding dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "table for debate" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that a topic or proposal has been formally presented for discussion and consideration. Ludwig examples show its use primarily in news and media contexts, implying a structured environment for discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "table for debate" is an idiomatic expression signifying that a topic is ready for formal discussion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, fitting structured environments like meetings or legislative sessions. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for formal contexts, with alternatives like "open for discussion" being more appropriate for casual settings. Use it to signal the beginning of structured deliberation, ensuring clarity and a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open for discussion

Emphasizes the accessibility of the topic for conversation.

subject to debate

Highlights the contentious nature of the topic, implying differing opinions.

up for consideration

Suggests the topic is being evaluated before a decision is made.

on the agenda for discussion

Indicates the topic is formally scheduled to be discussed.

under consideration

Similar to 'up for consideration' but implies a more passive state of review.

to be discussed

A straightforward statement that the topic will be talked about.

ready for deliberation

Suggests a formal and careful process of discussion and decision-making.

ripe for discussion

Implies the topic is timely and ready to be addressed.

available for consideration

Highlights the accessibility of the topic for thoughtful evaluation.

pending discussion

Indicates that discussion is awaiting or has been postponed until a later time.

FAQs

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

You can use "table for debate" to indicate that a topic or issue is being presented for formal discussion and consideration. For example, "The proposal is now on the "table for debate" at the next meeting".

What can I say instead of "table for debate"?

You can use alternatives like "open for discussion", "subject to debate", or "up for consideration" depending on the specific context.

Is "table for debate" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "table for debate" is more suitable for formal settings. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "let's talk about it" or "open for discussion" for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "table for debate" and "up for discussion"?

"Table for debate" typically suggests a more structured and formal setting, whereas "up for discussion" is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.