It is contentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is contentious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The proposed policy changes are highly debated, as it is contentious among various stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is contentious and stressful.

The New York Times

"It is contentious but you can see things in different ways," argued McCafferty.

The Guardian - Sport

It is contentious stuff, worthy of widespread study and intense debate.

The Guardian

It is contentious – a hand grenade, really – because in it she asserts, like an Old Testament maven from Tennessee, that being gay is a "choice", it is not innate and no one is, in Lady Gaga's words, "Born This Way".

Independent

It is contentious to say so, but it may be that the rigidities imposed by the common currency have more than offset the benefits that the euro was supposed to bring.

Independent

It is contentious whether nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP) should be treated as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or health care associated pneumonia.

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a contentious issue, and frankly, it's contentious every time.

The Guardian - Tech

It was contentious; it was emotional; but, ultimately, they made a decision to recognize civil marriage.

The New York Times

"It's contentious and tough but it should be tough," Mr. Edwards said.

The New York Times

Part of the reason it's contentious and emotional is because of how Katrina is understood, or misunderstood, everywhere else.

The New Yorker

"It was contentious along the way but it fundamentally accomplished what we wanted it to," Todd Stern, the US State Department's climate change envoy, said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "It is contentious", ensure the context clearly identifies the subject of the contention and, if possible, the different viewpoints involved.

Common error

Avoid using "It is contentious" when the issue is merely subject to minor debate. Reserve it for situations with significant and deeply rooted disagreement.

Linguistic Context

It is contentious functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for discussing a topic that is likely to generate disagreement or argument. This expression indicates that the matter in question lacks a consensus and is open to debate. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It is contentious" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce topics prone to disagreement. While not exceptionally common, it is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings, as validated by Ludwig AI. When writing with it, ensure the context clarifies the point of contention and different viewpoints. Related alternatives include ""it is disputed"" or ""it is debatable"", although the best choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is disputed

Emphasizes that the matter is subject to disagreement or argument.

It is debatable

Highlights that the issue is open to discussion and differing opinions.

It is controversial

Indicates that the topic is likely to provoke strong opposition and disagreement.

It is arguable

Suggests that there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.

It is questionable

Implies that the validity or correctness of something is uncertain.

It is unsettled

Highlights that the matter has not been resolved or agreed upon.

It is vexed

Indicates that the topic is problematic and causes difficulty or annoyance.

It is a matter of debate

Frames the subject as one actively under discussion with differing viewpoints.

It is a point of contention

Directly identifies the issue as a source of disagreement.

It is under discussion

Suggests that the topic is currently being considered and debated.

FAQs

What does "It is contentious" mean?

The phrase "It is contentious" means that a particular subject or issue is likely to cause disagreement or argument. It implies that there are differing viewpoints and that the matter is not easily resolved.

What can I say instead of "It is contentious"?

You can use alternatives like "it is disputed", "it is debatable", or "it is controversial" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "It is contentious" in a sentence?

You can use "It is contentious" to introduce a topic that is likely to cause disagreement. For example, "The proposed policy change is contentious among stakeholders."

Is "It is contentious" formal or informal?

"It is contentious" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. While suitable for academic or professional writing, less formal alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.