was debated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was debated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a topic or issue was discussed or argued about in the past. Example: "The proposal for the new policy was debated extensively during the meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Politics was debated.

The New York Times - Arts

It was debated.

The New Yorker

And this was debated.

Yale University

Kasich's dynamism was debated.

The New Yorker

That was debated in parliament.

The Guardian

What happened next was debated afterward.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was debated over and over again.

The New York Times

"It was debated at some length.

The Guardian

It was, nonetheless, not what was debated.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was debated and thought through.

The New Yorker

How the fire started was debated for years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was debated", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the topic being debated and, if relevant, the parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "was debated" without a clear subject. Ensure it's evident what specific issue or topic "was debated". For example, instead of "It was debated", specify "The proposed budget was debated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was debated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a particular subject or topic underwent discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was debated" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a topic has undergone discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reliable sources. It is most frequently found in news and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was subject to debate

Indicates that something is open to argument and differing opinions.

was argued over

Highlights the presence of disagreement during the discussion.

was deliberated upon

Implies a careful and thorough discussion.

was contested

Highlights a strong disagreement or challenge to something.

came under discussion

Emphasizes the introduction of a topic for consideration.

was put up for discussion

Emphasizes the act of presenting something for consideration.

was under consideration

Focuses on the ongoing process of thinking about something.

sparked debate

Implies that something initiated a discussion or argument.

was mulled over

Suggests a thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

was reviewed

Focuses on the examination and assessment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was debated" in a sentence?

Use "was debated" to indicate that a topic was discussed or argued about. For example, "The new policy "was debated" extensively during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "was debated"?

You can use alternatives like "was argued over", "was discussed", or "was considered", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has been debated" instead of "was debated"?

Yes, "has been debated" is also correct. Use "was debated" for a specific past event, and "has been debated" when the discussion continues or has relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "was debated" and "was decided"?

"Was debated" means a topic was discussed, while "was decided" means a conclusion or decision was reached after the discussion.