topic of debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"topic of debate" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to the subject or issue that is being discussed or argued about. It can be used in any situation where there is a disagreement or differing opinions on a particular subject. Example: The topic of debate in today's political climate is healthcare reform. In this sentence, "topic of debate" refers to the main subject that is being discussed and debated in the current political climate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Amazingly, this is a topic of debate.

The New York Times

That's always a heated topic of debate.

The New York Times

The article also misstated a topic of debate among protesters.

The New York Times

One prickly topic of debate was whether Jewish art existed.

The New York Times - Arts

Cyberbullying has been a heavy topic of debate this year.

The Guardian

But exactly which position is optimal continues to be a topic of debate.

The New York Times

But the legality of the previous commission's appointment remains a topic of debate.

The New York Times

In my family, this has become a topic of debate as we consider our next animal.

The New York Times

Bhullar's college basketball potential is a topic of debate among coaches, analysts and reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

She also became a hot topic of debate in different Internet chat rooms and discussion sites.

The New York Times

The rights of women have also become an major topic of debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "topic of debate", provide context to ensure clarity and understanding. For example, specify the different viewpoints or arguments involved.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "topic of debate" as having only two sides. Many issues are multifaceted, and ignoring nuances can lead to misrepresentation and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of debate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig shows this in many contexts, introducing a specific subject that is under discussion or contention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic of debate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a subject under discussion, often implying disagreement or contention. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse fields like news, science, and formal writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "subject of discussion" or "matter of contention", "topic of debate" effectively frames an issue for further analysis, according to Ludwig AI. A key writing tip is to provide sufficient context to clarify the debate's nuances and avoid oversimplifying complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of discussion

Replaces "debate" with "discussion", implying a less confrontational exchange.

controversial issue

Highlights the controversial nature of the topic.

matter of contention

Emphasizes the disagreement aspect, using "contention" instead of "debate".

disputed subject

Uses "disputed" to emphasize the disagreement surrounding the topic.

point of argument

Focuses on the argumentative nature, replacing "debate" with "argument".

area of disagreement

Focuses on the aspect of differing opinions.

bone of contention

An idiomatic expression highlighting a persistent cause of disagreement.

subject under consideration

Highlights that the subject is being actively thought about and evaluated.

issue in question

Refers to a specific matter that needs to be resolved or addressed.

matter at hand

Indicates the specific subject that is currently being dealt with or discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "topic of debate" in a sentence?

You can use "topic of debate" to introduce a subject that is being actively discussed and argued about. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy is a major "topic of debate" among economists".

What's the difference between "topic of debate" and "subject of discussion"?

"Topic of debate" implies a level of disagreement or contention, while "subject of discussion" is more neutral and simply indicates something being talked about.

What are some other ways to say "topic of debate"?

Alternatives include "matter of contention", "point of argument", or "controversial issue", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "topic of debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "topic of debate" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI shows examples of its use in academic, scientific, news, and business contexts.