It is debatable whether
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to disagree politely by suggesting a topic is open for discussion rather than settled.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express doubt or disagreement.
- Softens a claim to avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Used to introduce a topic with multiple viewpoints.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to say you disagree or aren't sure about something. It suggests that there are two sides to an argument without being aggressive.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a movie's quality
It is debatable whether the sequel was actually better than the original.
It is debatable whether the sequel was actually better than the original.
In a business meeting
It is debatable whether this marketing strategy will reach our target audience.
It is debatable whether this marketing strategy will reach our target audience.
Texting about a sports team
It's debatable whether they'll even make the playoffs this year.
It's debatable whether they'll even make the playoffs this year.
文化的背景
This expression stems from the Western parliamentary and academic tradition where 'debate' is seen as the path to truth. It is a hallmark of 'British Understatement,' allowing speakers to voice strong disagreement while maintaining a veneer of extreme politeness. In modern corporate culture, it is the ultimate 'safe' way to challenge a superior's idea.
The 'Polite No'
Use this when you want to say 'No' to an idea without hurting someone's feelings. It shifts the blame to the 'topic' rather than the person.
Don't over-hedge
If you use this too much in one conversation, you might sound indecisive or like you're hiding your true opinion.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express doubt or disagreement.
- Softens a claim to avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Used to introduce a topic with multiple viewpoints.
What It Means
It is debatable whether is a classic 'hedge.' It means a topic is open for discussion. You aren't saying 'No.' You are saying 'Maybe, but let's look at the facts.' It turns a hard fact into a question. It suggests that reasonable people can disagree.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the start of your sentence. Follow it with a statement you want to challenge. For example, It is debatable whether pineapple belongs on pizza. You are inviting others to share their opinion. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced. It avoids sounding like a know-it-all. Use it to soften a critique. Use it to introduce a counter-argument.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings to disagree with a boss politely. Use it in academic essays to show nuance. It works great when discussing sports or movies with friends. It’s perfect for those 'gray area' topics. Use it when you want to sound objective. It’s a lifesaver during awkward dinner conversations about politics.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for obvious facts. Saying It is debatable whether the sun is hot makes you sound silly. Avoid it in emergencies. Nobody wants to hear It is debatable whether we should leave the burning building. Don't use it if you want to sound 100% certain. It inherently adds doubt to your words.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' We often avoid direct confrontation. This phrase comes from the tradition of formal debate. It reflects a cultural value of seeing 'both sides.' It’s a tool for 'polite disagreement.' It allows you to be critical while remaining a 'gentleman' or 'lady.'
Common Variations
It’s open to debate whether...(slightly more casual)Whether [X] is true remains debatable.(more formal)It is arguable whether...(very similar meaning)The jury is still out on whether...(idiomatic and fun)
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits firmly in the 'formal' and 'neutral' categories. In professional writing, it is a key tool for maintaining objectivity. In speech, it can be used to avoid direct conflict.
The 'Polite No'
Use this when you want to say 'No' to an idea without hurting someone's feelings. It shifts the blame to the 'topic' rather than the person.
Don't over-hedge
If you use this too much in one conversation, you might sound indecisive or like you're hiding your true opinion.
The Academic Shield
In English universities, using this phrase is like wearing armor. It protects your claims by acknowledging you might be wrong.
例文
6It is debatable whether the sequel was actually better than the original.
It is debatable whether the sequel was actually better than the original.
A friendly way to start a movie debate.
It is debatable whether this marketing strategy will reach our target audience.
It is debatable whether this marketing strategy will reach our target audience.
Professional way to voice concern about a plan.
It's debatable whether they'll even make the playoffs this year.
It's debatable whether they'll even make the playoffs this year.
Using the contraction 'It's' makes it fit for a text.
It is debatable whether this brown liquid can actually be called 'coffee'.
It is debatable whether this brown liquid can actually be called 'coffee'.
Using formal language for a trivial topic creates humor.
It is debatable whether we are truly moving in the same direction.
It is debatable whether we are truly moving in the same direction.
Softens a heavy realization to make it a discussion point.
It is debatable whether the policy had any significant impact on the economy.
It is debatable whether the policy had any significant impact on the economy.
Standard academic way to show critical thinking.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to politely disagree with a colleague's claim that a project is finished.
___ the project is truly finished, as the testing phase hasn't started.
'It is debatable whether' is the most professional and polite way to introduce a disagreement.
Which version is most appropriate for a formal essay?
___ the new law will reduce crime rates in the long term.
This phrase provides the necessary academic tone for a serious discussion.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of Disagreement
Blunt and direct
I don't think so.
Clear but soft
I'm not sure about that.
Sophisticated hedging
It is debatable whether...
Where to use 'It is debatable whether'
Boardroom
Questioning a budget
University
Writing a thesis
Pub
Sports arguments
News
Political analysis
よくある質問
12 問Not exactly. While it signals disagreement, it is much softer. It suggests the topic is a matter of opinion rather than you just being contrary.
Yes, but use the contraction It's debatable whether. It makes it sound less like a textbook and more like a natural conversation.
It can be, but often people use it ironically or for 'big' topics like sports. It’s a great way to sound smart while joking around.
You should follow it with a full subject and verb. For example: It is debatable whether *the rain* (subject) *will stop* (verb).
Yes, if is common in spoken English. However, whether is considered more correct and elegant in written English.
Absolutely. It is used across the English-speaking world, especially in professional and journalistic settings.
Mostly, yes. However, arguable often suggests there is a strong case *for* the statement, while debatable suggests more doubt.
It is pronounced /dɪˈbeɪ.tə.bəl/. The stress is on the second syllable: de-BA-ta-ble.
Yes, it is almost always used to start a sentence or a new clause. It sets the stage for the doubt you are about to express.
No, teachers actually love it! It shows you are thinking critically and understand that some topics aren't black and white.
The most common mistake is using it for facts. Don't say It is debatable whether 2+2=4. That just sounds confused.
You can just say That's debatable. It’s a punchy, slightly more confrontational way to respond to someone's claim.
関連フレーズ
Open to interpretation
Something that can be understood in many different ways.
A matter of opinion
Something that depends on personal taste rather than fact.
The jury is still out
A decision or conclusion has not been reached yet.
Arguably
Used when you want to say something is probably true, but others might disagree.
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