to be debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or issue that is open for discussion or argument. Example: "The proposed policy changes are to be debated in the upcoming meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The proposals continue to be debated fiercely.

The New York Times

The potential risks continue to be debated.

The Economist

It has to be debated.

The New York Times

Modernity continues to be debated.

The New York Times - Travel

There were crucial points to be debated".

The Guardian

"It's there to be debated," he says.

The Guardian

That's something that needs to be debated".

The New York Times

This work deserves to be debated on its merits.

The New York Times

The amendment is expected to be debated on 21 July.

The Guardian

"There is nothing even to be debated about that.

The New York Times - Health

The issue ought to be debated in the presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be debated" when you want to indicate that a topic is not yet settled and will be discussed or argued in a formal setting.

Common error

Avoid using "to be debated" in extremely casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "to talk about" or "to discuss" instead, as "to be debated" implies a more formal discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be debated" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates that a topic or issue is subject to discussion or argument, suggesting an action that will take place. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be debated" is a grammatically correct and versatile infinitive phrase used to indicate that a topic is open for discussion or argument, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news, scientific and academic contexts, suggesting a formal and structured exchange of ideas. While highly common, it is best used in contexts that warrant a serious and structured discussion, and can be replaced by alternatives like "to be discussed" in more casual settings. Ludwig's analysis suggests that the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse sources, making it a reliable choice for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to discussion

Highlights that the topic is not yet settled and open for conversation.

to be argued

Focuses on presenting different viewpoints in a structured argument.

open for discussion

Focuses specifically on the availability for discourse.

for discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing rather than a formal debate.

for consideration

Slightly more concise alternative, implying the same meaning.

to be considered

Suggests the topic requires thought and attention.

up for consideration

Emphasizes the aspect of thoughtful examination before a decision.

open to question

Highlights that the matter is not settled and may be challenged.

under review

Suggests a more formal and structured evaluation process.

awaiting deliberation

Implies a waiting period before a decision is made after careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "to be debated" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be debated" is often used to indicate that a topic or issue is open for discussion and argument. For example, "The new policy is "subject to debate"" or "The proposal is "scheduled to be debated" next week".

What are some alternatives to "to be debated"?

You can use alternatives such as "to be discussed", "to be considered", or "up for discussion" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be debated" or "to be discussed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "to be debated" implies a more formal setting where arguments and counter-arguments will be presented, while "to be discussed" suggests a more general conversation or exchange of ideas.

When is it appropriate to use "to be debated"?

Use "to be debated" when referring to a topic that will be formally argued or discussed, often in a political, academic, or professional context. It implies that there are differing viewpoints that need to be presented and considered.