C2 Expression Neutral 2 Min. Lesezeit

The debate continues

Argumentation and critical discussion expression

Use this phrase to highlight that a topic is still being discussed and no final conclusion exists.

In 15 Sekunden

  • Used when a topic remains unresolved or controversial.
  • Common in news, academics, and friendly banter.
  • Suggests that more discussion is expected in the future.

Bedeutung

This phrase describes a situation where people still disagree or haven't reached a final decision yet. It implies that a topic is controversial, ongoing, and likely to spark more conversation.

Wichtige Beispiele

3 von 6
1

Discussing a movie ending with friends

Was the main character a hero or a villain? The debate continues.

Was the main character a hero or a villain? The debate continues.

😊
2

A professional meeting about a new policy

We haven't decided on the budget yet, so the debate continues.

We haven't decided on the budget yet, so the debate continues.

💼
3

Texting about a silly argument

Pineapple on pizza? The debate continues in our group chat! 🍕

Pineapple on pizza? The debate continues in our group chat!

😄
🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

The phrase is deeply rooted in the tradition of parliamentary and academic discourse. It gained massive popularity in 20th-century broadcast journalism as a way to sign off from segments on unresolved social issues. It reflects a culture that prizes ongoing dialogue over immediate, forced consensus.

💡

The 'Wait and See' Vibe

Use this phrase when you want to sound objective. It makes you look like a neutral observer rather than someone taking a side.

💬

Journalistic Flair

In the UK and US, news anchors use this as a 'bridge.' It helps them move to the next story without needing to solve the current one.

In 15 Sekunden

  • Used when a topic remains unresolved or controversial.
  • Common in news, academics, and friendly banter.
  • Suggests that more discussion is expected in the future.

What It Means

The debate continues is a phrase you use when there is no clear winner in an argument. It suggests that a topic is still 'hot' and unresolved. You aren't just saying people are talking. You are saying they are still weighing the pros and cons. It feels active and ongoing.

How To Use It

You can use it as a standalone sentence or a transition. Use it to summarize a long-standing disagreement. For example, if your friends are arguing about the best pizza topping, you can sigh and say, the debate continues. It adds a touch of drama to the situation. It makes a simple disagreement feel like a grand, historical event.

When To Use It

Use it when a meeting ends without a final vote. Use it when scientists are still testing a theory. It’s perfect for social media captions when you post a controversial opinion. If you are texting a friend about a recurring drama, this phrase fits perfectly. It works well in academic writing to show a topic is still being researched.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for facts that are already proven. You wouldn't say the debate continues about whether the Earth is round. Avoid using it for very minor, one-time choices. If you just picked a movie, the debate is over. Don't use it if the tone is too aggressive. It’s meant to be a bit more observant and detached. It can sound dismissive if used during a heated personal fight.

Cultural Background

This phrase comes from the world of politics and journalism. News anchors love using it to end a segment on a tricky topic. It reflects a Western cultural value of 'discourse' and 'open-ended inquiry.' It suggests that even if we don't agree, the conversation itself is valuable. It’s a polite way to acknowledge a stalemate without being rude.

Common Variations

You might hear the jury is still out for a similar vibe. Some people say the discussion remains open in very formal settings. In casual talk, you might hear it's still up in the air. However, the debate continues is the most classic version. It sounds a bit more intellectual and polished than the others.

Nutzungshinweise

This phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for both a CEO's boardroom and a casual Sunday brunch, though it carries a slightly more 'intellectual' weight than simple slang.

💡

The 'Wait and See' Vibe

Use this phrase when you want to sound objective. It makes you look like a neutral observer rather than someone taking a side.

💬

Journalistic Flair

In the UK and US, news anchors use this as a 'bridge.' It helps them move to the next story without needing to solve the current one.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use it for every single tiny disagreement, you might sound a bit pretentious or overly dramatic. Save it for topics with real staying power!

Beispiele

6
#1 Discussing a movie ending with friends
😊

Was the main character a hero or a villain? The debate continues.

Was the main character a hero or a villain? The debate continues.

Used here to show that friends have different opinions on a story.

#2 A professional meeting about a new policy
💼

We haven't decided on the budget yet, so the debate continues.

We haven't decided on the budget yet, so the debate continues.

Indicates that a professional decision has been postponed.

#3 Texting about a silly argument
😄

Pineapple on pizza? The debate continues in our group chat! 🍕

Pineapple on pizza? The debate continues in our group chat!

Adds a humorous, dramatic flair to a lighthearted disagreement.

#4 Scientific reporting
👔

While some data suggests a link, the debate continues among researchers.

While some data suggests a link, the debate continues among researchers.

Shows that a scientific community has not reached a consensus.

#5 A couple arguing about where to live
💭

We still can't agree on moving to the city, so the debate continues.

We still can't agree on moving to the city, so the debate continues.

Reflects an ongoing personal conflict that is emotionally significant.

#6 Commenting on a sports rivalry
🤝

Who is the greatest of all time? The debate continues after last night's game.

Who is the greatest of all time? The debate continues after last night's game.

Commonly used in sports media to keep fans engaged.

Teste dich selbst

Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about an unresolved office issue.

We couldn't agree on the new logo, so ___.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: the debate continues

Since they 'couldn't agree', the discussion is still ongoing, making this the perfect phrase.

Which context fits the phrase 'the debate continues' best?

Scientists are still unsure if there is water on that planet; ___.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: the debate continues

Scientific uncertainty is a classic scenario for using this expression.

🎉 Ergebnis: /2

Visuelle Lernhilfen

Formality Spectrum of 'The Debate Continues'

Casual

Used with friends about silly topics like food or movies.

Cats vs. Dogs? The debate continues.

Neutral

Common in news reports or general interest articles.

As the election nears, the debate continues over tax reform.

Formal

Used in academic papers or high-level board meetings.

Regarding the ethical implications, the debate continues in the literature.

Where You'll Hear 'The Debate Continues'

The Debate Continues
📺

TV News

Ending a segment on climate change.

Office Kitchen

Colleagues arguing about the best coffee brand.

📱

Social Media

A caption on a poll about fashion trends.

🎓

University

A professor discussing philosophical theories.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not at all! It usually refers to a polite or intellectual disagreement. For example, in the debate continues over the new law, it means people are writing articles and giving speeches, not necessarily yelling.

Yes, it's great for humor. If your friends are arguing about which Marvel movie is best, texting And so, the debate continues... adds a funny, epic tone to the chat.

Absolutely. It is a very common way to conclude a paragraph in academic writing. You might write, While many scholars agree with Smith, the debate continues regarding the long-term effects.

The jury is still out usually means we are waiting for a specific result or judgment. The debate continues focuses more on the fact that people are still actively talking and disagreeing.

Yes, it is used across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English. It is a universal expression in the English-speaking world.

You can, but it sounds less like a fixed expression. The debate continues has a more 'classic' and punchy feel to it.

Not necessarily, but it does suggest that a solution isn't coming anytime soon. It highlights the complexity of the problem.

It can be a polite way to 'agree to disagree.' By saying well, the debate continues, you acknowledge the other person's view without changing your own.

Not exactly a direct slang version, but people might say it's a whole thing or we're still at it to mean the same thing informally.

Yes, if you're being a bit dramatic. Should I get a tattoo? The debate continues in my head!

Verwandte Redewendungen

The jury is still out

A decision or verdict has not yet been reached.

Up in the air

Uncertain or not yet settled.

Agree to disagree

Accepting that neither side will convince the other.

A bone of contention

A specific subject that people constantly argue about.

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