to debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to debate" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to discuss or argue about a topic or issue. You can use "to debate" in various situations, such as: 1. In formal or academic writing: "The scholars gathered to debate the merits of the new theory." 2. In political or public discourse: "The candidates will meet tonight to debate their positions on healthcare reform." 3. In everyday conversation: "Let's not debate about politics right now, we're supposed to be enjoying dinner together." Example sentence: The students were tasked with writing an essay on whether or not the death penalty should be abolished. They were then given the opportunity to debate their arguments in front of their classmates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Italians love to debate.

The Economist

That is open to debate.

Independent

All are open to debate.

The Economist

I want to debate it.

The New York Times

To debate: Is waterboarding torture?

The New Yorker

He simply wants to debate him.

The New York Times

Why, exactly, is subject to debate.

The New Yorker

Identifying subjects can also lead to debate.

The New York Times - Arts

The exact number is open to debate.

The New York Times

That leaves only men to debate.

The New York Times

Did that fuel your need to debate?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to debate" when you want to emphasize a formal discussion with opposing viewpoints. Ensure the context involves a structured argument or a contest of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "to debate" in casual conversations where a simple discussion or exchange of ideas is more appropriate. Opt for terms like "to discuss" or "to talk about" instead to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to debate" is to act as an infinitive verb phrase. It commonly functions as a verb, indicating the action of engaging in a formal discussion or argument. As supported by Ludwig, the expression is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to debate" is a grammatically sound and very common infinitive phrase used to describe the act of participating in a formal argument or discussion. Ludwig confirms its wide usage across various contexts. The primary usage of "to debate" appears in News & Media, but it is also applicable in Scientific or Formal & Business contexts. When writing, remember to reserve "to debate" for situations involving structured arguments and opposing viewpoints, opting for alternatives like ""to discuss"" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discuss

Focuses on exchanging ideas and information, often in a less confrontational manner than "to debate".

to argue

Emphasizes disagreement and the presentation of opposing viewpoints, highlighting a more adversarial stance.

to contend

Suggests a more formal and sustained argument, often in a legal or political context.

to dispute

Implies questioning or challenging the validity of something, often with evidence or reasoning.

to deliberate

Highlights a careful and thorough consideration of different sides of an issue, often in a decision-making process.

to reason

Emphasizes logical thinking and the presentation of rational arguments.

to negotiate

Involves discussing terms or conditions to reach an agreement, often with compromise.

to confer

Suggests a formal consultation or meeting to exchange views and information.

to examine

Focuses on scrutinizing and analyzing different aspects of a subject.

to consider

Implies a thoughtful evaluation of different options or perspectives.

FAQs

How do I use "to debate" in a sentence?

Use "to debate" to describe a formal discussion or argument. For example, "The politicians met "to debate" the new economic policy".

What are some alternatives to "to debate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to discuss", "to argue", or "to consider".

Is it better to say "to debate" or "to discuss"?

"To debate" implies a more formal and often adversarial exchange of ideas, while ""to discuss"" suggests a more cooperative exchange. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your communication.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "to debate"?

It may be inappropriate to use "to debate" in very informal settings or when describing simple conversations. In such cases, using phrases like "to chat" or "to talk" would be more suitable.