there was a debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a discussion or argument took place regarding a particular topic or issue. Example: "During the meeting, there was a debate about the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Last Thursday on BBC Scotland there was a debate about the dangers of concussion in rugby.

BBC

He said it was important there was a debate about airport provision and concentrating resources at one site would be "a brave thing to do".

BBC

And before that, there was a debate that began more than a decade ago over whether Internet Service Providers should be required to let others resell their services.

TechCrunch

There was a debate.

Independent

There was a debate about Cage among Abed's classmates.

The New Yorker

There was a debate about what to do next.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a debate at the time about identification cards, which had just been introduced.

Independent

"There was a debate about whether black art should be abstract or figurative.

The New York Times - Arts

Aker sidestepped the question, saying there was a debate to be had about this.

The Guardian

American officials said there was a debate about whether the shutdown reflected a good-will gesture.

The New York Times

There was a debate on whether to include full or shortened addresses, or URL's.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce a historical or past event. For contemporary and ongoing conversations or disputes use "there is a debate."

Common error

Avoid using "there was a debate" when referring to an ongoing or current discussion. Use "there is a debate" instead to accurately reflect the present state of the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a debate" functions as an introductory phrase to indicate that a discussion or argument took place concerning a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness, offering numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there was a debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a past discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is applicable across various contexts, especially in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. When using it, ensure the context clearly specifies the subject of the debate and avoid using it when referring to present or ongoing debates. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can effectively and accurately use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a debate occurred

Replaces the initial phrasing with a more concise, direct statement about the debate happening.

the matter was debated

Shifts focus to the subject of the debate, using a passive construction.

a discussion was held

Substitutes "debate" with the broader term "discussion", implying a less confrontational exchange.

the issue was discussed

Similar to "a discussion was held" but focuses on the "issue" itself being talked about.

a controversy arose

Emphasizes the contentious nature of the discussion, using "controversy" to highlight disagreement.

arguments were exchanged

Highlights the back-and-forth nature of a debate, focusing on the exchange of "arguments".

a dispute took place

Uses "dispute" to suggest a more formal or serious disagreement than a simple debate.

opinions clashed

Focuses on the disagreement of "opinions" that occurred.

a difference of opinion emerged

Highlights the emergence of differing viewpoints on a topic.

the topic was under consideration

Implies a more formal and considered debate, where a "topic" is deeply analyzed.

FAQs

What does "there was a debate" mean?

The phrase "there was a debate" indicates that a discussion or argument took place in the past regarding a specific topic or issue. It suggests differing opinions were expressed and considered.

How can I use "there was a debate" in a sentence?

You can use "there was a debate" to introduce a discussion about a particular topic. For example: "There was a debate about whether the new policy would be effective."

What can I say instead of "there was a debate"?

You can use alternatives like "a discussion was held", "a controversy arose", or "the matter was debated" depending on the context.

Is "there was a debate" formal or informal?

"There was a debate" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the source of the writing may influence the overall tone.