a bone of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bone of contention" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is causing disagreement or arguments between people. Example: The issue of immigration has been a bone of contention in recent elections.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That has always been a bone of contention for him".

The New York Times

Airconditioning is a bone of contention among U.N. members.

The New Yorker

Tickets are a bone of contention at Country Creek.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been a bone of contention for nearly two years, ever since it was proposed.

The New York Times

Her acting career was a bone of contention in the family.

The Washington Post

The move itself was a bone of contention for the "Frasier" side.

The New York Times

What work you can return to is a bone of contention.

The Guardian - Money

Historically, height is thought to be a bone of contention for the Kim dynasty.

The Washington Post

They have been a bone of contention for the United States networks.

The New York Times

It's a gorgeous late December sunset as such sunsets go -- but also a bone of contention.

The New York Times - Travel

And exactly why are they such a bone of contention in the sport?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bone of contention" when you want to emphasize that a particular issue is a persistent cause of disagreement or argument. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a bone of contention" for minor disagreements. It implies a significant and ongoing dispute, not a fleeting difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bone of contention" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific subject or issue that is the cause of disagreement, dispute, or conflict. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bone of contention" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subject that consistently causes disagreement or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. With a very common usage, it is found primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a significant and persistent dispute. If you're looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "a point of dispute" or "a contentious issue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point of contention

Very similar; replaces "bone" with "point" to denote a specific element of the disagreement.

a contentious issue

Directly describes the issue as one that causes contention.

a point of dispute

Focuses on the disagreement itself, rather than the source.

a controversial topic

Emphasizes that the topic is likely to provoke disagreement or opposition.

a sticking point

Indicates a specific issue that is hindering agreement.

a source of conflict

Emphasizes the potential for conflict arising from the issue.

a source of friction

Highlights the tension and unease caused by the disagreement.

a matter of debate

Highlights the ongoing discussion and differing opinions.

an apple of discord

Uses a more figurative and dramatic expression for a source of contention.

a sensitive subject

Suggests the topic requires careful handling due to potential disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bone of contention" to describe a topic or issue that causes disagreement and conflict. For example, "The new policy quickly became "a bone of contention" between the management and the employees."

What's the difference between "a bone of contention" and "a point of contention"?

The phrases "a bone of contention" and "a point of contention" are very similar in meaning and are often used interchangeably. "A bone of contention" might imply a more long-standing or deeply rooted disagreement.

What are some synonyms for ""a bone of contention""?

Alternatives to ""a bone of contention"" include "a point of dispute", "a source of conflict", or "a matter of debate".

Is "a bone of contention" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a bone of contention" is appropriate for formal writing, as well as more informal contexts. It is a well-established idiom that is widely understood.