"debate on" vs "debate of"

Question

"debate on" vs "debate of"

Both 'debate on' and 'debate of' are commonly used prepositions in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Debate on' is used when referring to the topic or subject of the debate, while 'debate of' is less common and is used in a more formal or literary context to indicate possession or association.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use 'debate on' when referring to the topic or subject of the debate. For example, 'They had a heated debate on the new policy.'

Examples:

There was a lively debate on climate change at the conference.
The students engaged in a debate on the importance of art education.
The panelists had a debate on the future of technology.
The debate on healthcare reform lasted for hours.
Let's have a debate on the impact of social media on society.

Alternatives:

discussion on
argument on
conversation on
talk on
deliberation on

Use 'debate of' in a formal or literary context to indicate possession or association. For example, 'The debate of the century' or 'The debate of kings.'

Examples:

The debate of the scholars was well-attended.
The book explores the debate of good and evil.
The debate of the artists' works continues to this day.
The debate of the politicians' ideologies was intense.
The debate of the philosophers' theories is ongoing.

Alternatives:

discussion of
argument of
conversation of
talk of
deliberation of

Answer 1

debate on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

debate of

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday usage. It is more formal or literary.

"debate on" vs "debate of"

debate on

debate of

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