we are debating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are debating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is currently being considered or argued by a group of people. Example: "In our meeting today, we are debating the merits of implementing a four-day workweek."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are debating whether to continue the stay on execution".

The New York Times

Now we are debating whether to sell our apartment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Talk about bizarre: We are debating whether a real-life Manchurian Candidate occupies the Oval Office.

University of California, Berkeley

"But we are debating an apple being thrown over the fence".

The New York Times - Books

And if we are debating progress in Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain, we should also consider Iran.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This gives us another month or two while we are debating these open items".

The New York Times

That's why today we are debating much more than our internal party structures.

The Guardian

"We are debating in a very casual setting issues that affect real lives," he said.

The New York Times

We are not debating the issue, we are debating the solution.

The Guardian - Business

Within this, we are debating whether or not to keep judging lessons at all.

The Guardian

JC That we are debating Newsnight shows what a valuable part of the culture it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are debating", ensure the context clearly defines who "we" refers to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "we are debating" in overly casual conversations where simpler phrases like "we're talking about" or "we're discussing" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal in informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are debating" serves as a declarative statement indicating that a discussion or argument is currently in progress. It's used to inform an audience about an ongoing deliberation, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are debating" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate an ongoing discussion or argument. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in "News & Media", but also appears in "Formal & Business" and "Science" contexts. This phrase indicates that different viewpoints are being considered, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas. When writing, remember to ensure clarity about who "we" refers to and consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience. While "we are debating" is acceptable, simpler alternatives like "we are discussing" may be more suitable for casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are discussing

Focuses on a general exchange of ideas without necessarily implying disagreement.

we are considering

Implies a more thoughtful and evaluative approach than a direct debate.

we are contending

Highlights the aspect of opposing viewpoints and arguments.

we are arguing

Emphasizes the presence of disagreement and possibly strong emotions.

we are deliberating

Suggests a formal and careful process of reaching a decision.

we are examining

Implies a detailed inspection or investigation of a topic.

we are exploring

Focuses on discovering and understanding different facets of an issue.

we are questioning

Highlights the act of inquiring and challenging assumptions.

the issue is under discussion

Shifts the focus to the topic itself rather than the act of debating.

there is a debate about

Presents the debate as an existing situation, not necessarily one in which the speaker is directly involved.

FAQs

What does "we are debating" mean?

The phrase "we are debating" indicates that a group of people is currently discussing or arguing about a particular topic, considering different viewpoints and perspectives.

What can I say instead of "we are debating"?

You can use alternatives like "we are discussing", "we are considering", or "we are arguing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "we are debating"?

The phrase "we are debating" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but might be too formal for casual conversations.

Is "we're debating" the same as "we are debating"?

Yes, "we're debating" is a contraction of "we are debating" and carries the same meaning. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality in your writing or speech.