under debate

USAGE SUMMARY

"under debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being discussed or argued about. For example, "The impact of climate change on the environment is still under debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

British national identity is under debate again.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are a few critical issues still under debate.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether this is actually true of parenting remains under debate.

The Economist

But the theme of the hearings is still under debate.

The Economist

Alternative solutions remain under debate — day and night — in Sol.

The New York Times

"The ownership of Channel 4 is not currently under debate.

Independent

The direction that these societies take is still under debate.

The New York Times

The question has been under debate for months.

The New York Times - Tech

The survival of these ensembles is always under debate.

The Guardian - Music

The issue remains under debate.

SEP

However, the question is still under debate.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under debate" to indicate ongoing discussions where different viewpoints exist. Ensure the context clearly shows that the matter is not yet resolved.

Common error

Avoid using "under debate" as a statement of fact or a final conclusion. It should only be used to indicate an ongoing discussion where a consensus has not been reached. For example, instead of saying "The theory is under debate, therefore it is false", state the ongoing debate and present evidence for different viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under debate" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject is currently being discussed or argued about. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that a topic is currently being discussed or argued about, without a definitive resolution. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely applicable across various domains, particularly science and news media. When using "under debate", ensure the context clearly reflects ongoing discussion rather than a final conclusion. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "subject to debate" or "in question" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to debate

This alternative emphasizes that the topic is the object of debate, shifting the focus slightly.

in question

This phrase suggests uncertainty or doubt surrounding the topic, implying that it's being debated.

open to discussion

This suggests that the topic is available for discussion and consideration, a more neutral framing.

being contested

This alternative highlights the element of opposition or disagreement surrounding the topic.

at issue

This phrase emphasizes the point of disagreement or the problem that is being debated.

up for consideration

This suggests that something is being actively thought about and debated before a decision is made.

a matter of contention

This highlights the disagreement and potential conflict associated with the topic.

subject of controversy

This phrase emphasizes the controversial nature of the topic and the strong disagreement surrounding it.

under consideration

This implies a more formal process of evaluation and discussion.

in dispute

This suggests an active disagreement or legal challenge regarding the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "under debate" in a sentence?

You can use "under debate" to describe topics currently being discussed or argued about. For example, "The effectiveness of the new policy is "subject to debate"".

What are some alternatives to saying "under debate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in question", "open to discussion", or "being contested", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under debate" in formal writing?

Yes, "under debate" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, reports, and news articles, as it clearly indicates that a topic is currently being discussed and lacks a definitive resolution.

What's the difference between "under debate" and "under discussion"?

"Under debate" implies active disagreement or contention, whereas "under discussion" simply means a topic is being talked about, without necessarily implying disagreement.