Debate in process vs. debate in progress

I understand that ‘a debate in process’ is a set phrase but apparently ‘a debate in progress’ is a strong collocation too. Is there any difference between the two?

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I had to think about this for while. At first I thought the two words could be used interchangeably. I think if either word were used, most people would not notice the difference. I think ten seconds later most people would not even know which word was used.

However, I think progress is more correct, although I can’t say why.

In the context of a debate, probably the vast majority of people have never used either one. I’m not sure if I’ve even heard it before. In other contexts it’s not too unusual.

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