up for debate

USAGE SUMMARY

'up for debate' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean that something is uncertain or can be discussed or argued about. Example: The morality of euthanasia is up for debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's up for debate.

The New York Times

That much is not up for debate.

The New York Times - Magazine

That wasn't up for debate.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether that's true is up for debate.

The New York Times

How much is up for debate.

The New York Times

All this is up for debate.

The Guardian - Tech

It is not up for debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other qualifications are up for debate, too.

The Guardian

(Which one is up for debate).

The New York Times

How far is up for debate.

The Guardian - Books

What that solution will be is still up for debate.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up for debate" when you want to indicate that a topic is not settled and different viewpoints are valid and should be considered. It implies there is room for discussion and disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "up for debate" as a way to abruptly end a discussion without providing any concluding remarks or a balanced viewpoint. Ensure you've presented different perspectives before suggesting something is "up for debate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up for debate" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is not yet settled and is open to discussion. Ludwig's examples confirm its use to describe topics where differing opinions exist.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "up for debate" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to indicate that a topic is not settled and is open to discussion or argument. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is widely used in news and media, as well as scientific and formal contexts, denoting a neutral register. While alternatives like "open to question" or "debatable" exist, "up for debate" specifically emphasizes the potential for different viewpoints and ongoing discussion. When using this phrase, ensure you are setting the stage for a balanced exploration of different perspectives rather than abruptly concluding a discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debatable

Synonymous, but with a slightly more formal tone.

arguable

Focuses on the potential for argument or disagreement.

open to question

Focuses on the possibility of questioning something.

in dispute

Emphasizes the disagreement surrounding the topic.

subject to discussion

Highlights the idea that something is being actively discussed.

an open question

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer.

under consideration

Emphasizes that something is being thought about.

controversial

Highlights the divisive nature of the topic.

a matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the topic.

uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty surrounding the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "up for debate" in a sentence?

You can use "up for debate" to indicate that a topic is not settled and open to discussion. For example, "Whether or not artificial intelligence will surpass human intelligence is "up for debate"".

What are some alternatives to saying "up for debate"?

Alternatives to "up for debate" include "open to question", "subject to discussion", or "debatable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "up for debate"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "up for debate" is a common idiom used to indicate that something is not yet settled and is open to discussion or argument.

What is the difference between "up for debate" and "controversial"?

"Up for debate" suggests a topic is open to discussion and has different viewpoints, while "controversial" implies that the topic is divisive and likely to cause strong disagreement. A topic can be "controversial" without necessarily being "up for debate" if there's a widely held consensus.