the present debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the present debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an ongoing discussion or argument about a specific topic at the current time. Example: "In the present debate regarding climate change, various experts have differing opinions on the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is why the present debate on euthanasia is so revealing.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the present debate about Question Time demonstrates, maintaining this space is sometimes difficult and controversial.

The Guardian - Opinion

The present debate on capital punishment cannot be detached from the "Kurdish question", which is stuck in a quagmire.

The Guardian - Opinion

The present debate seems to have brought to light the formidable amount of middle-aged resentment harboured against the young.

The New Yorker

It seems to me that these results, if truly indicative of what people actually believe, are highly significant for the present debate about religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Algeria and the Algerians deserve better from the present debate," La Tribune, a French-language paper, said in an editorial this week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The present debates are only the semi-final.

The New Yorker

Looking at the natural disasters wrought upon Pharaoh's kingdom in the narrative leading up to the Israelite exodus from Egypt provides a surprising parallel to the present debates about global warming.

Huffington Post

During the last meeting of this group -- which includes representatives of most nations of the world -- those present debated the agenda for two weeks, and then went home.

Huffington Post

The brief mention of the Venetian floodgate project in "High-Tech Flood Control, With Nature's Help" (Sept . 6 does an injustice to the city's present debate and to its remarkable past.

The New York Times

Whereas the mainstream of present debate about collective intentionality has no direct roots in early social theory or phenomenology, Wilfrid Sellars' concept of we-intention is sometimes mentioned as the point of departure in the literature (Tuomela & Miller 1988).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the present debate", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific issue under discussion. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient background information.

Common error

Avoid using "the present debate" without specifying which debate you are referring to. Ensure your audience understands the specific context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the present debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, ongoing discussion or controversy. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used to introduce or frame a particular viewpoint or argument within that debate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the present debate" is a noun phrase used to refer to a contemporary discussion or controversy. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in diverse contexts. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Science sources. While not overly formal, the register is neutral, making it appropriate for a variety of audiences. When using "the present debate", clarify the specific subject of discussion to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the current discussion" or "the ongoing controversy" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the current discussion

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the exchange.

the ongoing controversy

Highlights the contentious aspect of the discussion.

the prevailing argument

Emphasizes the dominant viewpoint in the discussion.

the existing discourse

Refers to the broader communication surrounding the topic.

the contemporary dispute

Highlights the modern and conflicting nature.

the topical argument

Indicates the relevance and timeliness of the discussion.

the immediate contention

Focuses on the direct and present disagreement.

the live conversation

Emphasizes the active and dynamic nature of the exchange.

the evolving dialogue

Highlights the changing and progressive nature of the discussion.

the latest polemic

Emphasizes the controversial and often aggressive nature of the debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "the present debate" to refer to a current discussion on a specific topic. For example, "In "the present debate" over climate change, many solutions have been proposed".

What's a more formal alternative to "the present debate"?

A more formal alternative could be "the current discourse" or "the ongoing controversy". These phrases maintain a similar meaning while sounding more sophisticated.

Is it correct to say "the present debate" or should I use "current debate"?

Both "the present debate" and "current debate" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "the present debate" might sound slightly more formal.

How does "the present debate" differ from "a past debate"?

"The present debate" refers to a discussion happening now, while "a past debate" refers to one that has already occurred. The key difference is the timeframe of the discussion.