Points of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Points of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to issues or topics that are disputed or cause disagreement among parties. Example: "During the meeting, we addressed several points of contention that had arisen in the previous discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Points of contention are quality, dating and provenance.

The Guardian

There are still points of contention.

The New York Times

There were a few points of contention.

The New York Times

There have been other points of contention as well.

The New York Times

The recent points of contention, he said, were "different".

The New York Times

He did not describe the points of contention.

The New York Times

There were several points of contention right from the start.

The Guardian

And there were some bigger points of contention.

The New York Times

Prebuilding eliminates some points of contention, he said.

The New York Times

There are still many unsettled points of contention, however.

The New York Times

That cleared up two big points of contention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about negotiations or debates, use "points of contention" to clearly identify the specific issues causing disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "points of contention" when referring to minor misunderstandings; reserve it for substantial disagreements with significant implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific issues or topics that are sources of disagreement or dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points of contention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that effectively identifies specific areas of disagreement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered usable in written English, and its wide application across news, academic, and business contexts confirms its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the significant issues in dispute. Consider alternatives like ""areas of disagreement"" or ""contentious issues"" for slight variations in emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can use "points of contention" with clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Areas of disagreement

Focuses on the specific locations or subjects where agreement is lacking, rather than the act of contending.

Points at issue

Focuses on the specific items under consideration and disagreement.

Disputed points

Directly refers to the specific items under disagreement.

Issues in dispute

Highlights the fact that certain matters are being actively argued or debated.

Contentious issues

Emphasizes the potential for heated disagreement.

Bones of contention

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the central issue causing conflict.

Subjects of debate

Emphasizes the conversational aspect of the disagreement.

Matters of controversy

Highlights the polarizing nature of the subjects.

Sources of conflict

Identifies the root causes leading to disagreement.

Problem areas

Highlights the problematic aspects of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "points of contention" in a sentence?

You can use "points of contention" to refer to specific issues that are being disputed or debated. For example: "The main "points of contention" in the contract negotiations were salary and benefits."

What are some alternatives to saying "points of contention"?

Alternatives include "areas of disagreement", "issues in dispute", or "contentious issues". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "points of contention" in formal writing?

Yes, "points of contention" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, business reports, and news articles. It clearly and professionally conveys the existence of disagreements.

What's the difference between "points of contention" and "points of agreement"?

"Points of contention" refer to issues where there is disagreement, while "points of agreement" refer to issues where there is mutual consent or understanding. They are opposite concepts.