debate on vs debate over

[shrads]

what's the difference between debate on and debate over???

[billmcd]

what's the difference between debate on and debate over???

Not much. "Debate on" could be on a single issue/topic etc. "Debate over" could be over two or more issues etc. But usage depends on what and how many issues are being debated.

[emsr2d2]

Do we need a preposition at all?

They are debating the issues.
We were debating whether or not we need money.
He was debating the rights and wrongs of war with his sister.

[bhaisahab]

Do we need a preposition at all?

They are debating the issues.
We were debating whether or not we need money.
He was debating the rights and wrongs of war with his sister.

You could say "Last night I went to a debate on..." (insert any appropriate subject).

[shrads]

the query was put up by a student. I know debate on and debate over are more or less the same. but there should be a difference if we use two different prepositions with them.

eg. There was a debate over the supremacy of boys over girls in the class.
or
The department of English organized a debate on the political issues of the country.

?????

so is it right that we use debate over for two issues???
what's the rule???

[billmcd]

the query was put up by a student. I know debate on and debate over are more or less the same. but there should be a difference if we use two different prepositions with them.

eg. There was a debate over the supremacy of boys over girls in the class.
or
The department of English organized a debate on the political issues of the country.

?????

so is it right that we use debate over for two issues???
what's the rule???

Have you read the previous responses?