a common controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely discussed or debated issue that generates differing opinions among people. Example: "The debate over climate change is a common controversy that continues to spark discussions in various forums."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From fluorescent feathered headdresses at indie-pop festivals to Urban Outfitters "smudge kits," to runway fashion shows like Dsquared2's offensive "Dsquaw" line, racist knockoffs that appropriate indigenous art, culture, and identities have become a common controversy across North America in recent months.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although subthreshold mood disorder symptoms are common, controversy exists about their clinical significance.

Biological Psychiatry

From this time onwards, both sides of the controversy developed a common rhetoric, arguing that 'sound science' or 'the evidence' supported their arguments, while selectively drawing on different scientists (the ISG or King) to do so (Macrae 2007; Derbyshire 2008).

History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

This review also illustrates several common controversies and pitfalls in the analysis and in the evaluation and interpretation of mutation and recombination outcomes.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution

To mark the 40th anniversary of their relationship, the two countries wanted to issue a common stamp; yet controversy erupted when Israeli politicians said it should show not only both countries' flags, but also a barbed-wire symbol to recall the Holocaust.

The Economist

The presence of conflicts of interest is a common source of controversy, with claims that recommendations are designed to fill the pockets of those who would profit from the interventions advocated [ 14].

Cardiovascular Diabetology

It was only after the discovery of blood groups and anticoagulants in the 20th century that it became a common medical procedure.The controversy that led to the French ban is central to Holly Tucker's excellent book.

The Economist

To the extent that the H.H.S. mandate, the Cologne ruling and the Chick-fil-A controversy reflect a common logic rather than a shared confusion, then, it's a logic that regards Western monotheism's ideas about human sexuality — all that chastity, monogamy, male-female business — as similarly incompatible with basic modern freedoms.

The New York Times

Earlier this year, the chairman of the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), an industry body, excited controversy by criticising a common form of sukuk issuance that guarantees the price at which the issuer will buy back the asset underpinning the transaction, thereby enabling investors' capital to be repaid.

The Economist

A critique of potential in vitro fertilization (IVF) strategies to prevent babies from developing a common class of genetic diseases is sparking controversy.

Science Magazine

Judge Sotomayor prefaced her remarks by discussing her Latina identity, a common theme in her speeches that has drawn controversy since her nomination to the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common controversy", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific issue being discussed and its widespread nature. This will help to avoid ambiguity and ensure that your audience understands the relevance of the controversy.

Common error

Avoid using "a common controversy" when the issue is only locally or recently debated. Ensure that it genuinely represents a widely recognized and ongoing dispute to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common controversy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular type of issue that is characterized by widespread debate or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common controversy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a widely discussed and debated issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While relatively infrequent in occurrence, the phrase effectively highlights the pervasive nature of a dispute. It is suitable for neutral contexts such as news and media, as well as scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the controversy is genuinely widespread to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like ""a widespread dispute"" or ""a frequent debate"" to fine-tune the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread dispute

Replaces "controversy" with "dispute", suggesting a more direct disagreement.

a frequent debate

Substitutes "controversy" with "debate", implying a more structured discussion.

a recurring conflict

Changes "controversy" to "conflict", indicating a more active opposition.

a prevalent issue

Replaces "controversy" with "issue", focusing on the problem aspect.

a familiar contention

Uses "contention" instead of "controversy", highlighting the argumentative nature.

a typical bone of contention

Emphasizes the point of disagreement with the idiom "bone of contention".

a well-known disagreement

Replaces "controversy" with the more general "disagreement".

a standard point of debate

Focuses on the aspect of debate that is considered standard.

a regular source of conflict

Highlights the role of conflict as being a regular occurance.

a usual subject of dispute

Emphasizes the ordinariness of the dispute.

FAQs

How can I use "a common controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "a common controversy" to describe an issue that is widely debated and generates differing opinions. For instance, "The debate over climate change is "a common controversy" that continues to spark discussions in various forums."

What are some alternatives to "a common controversy"?

Alternatives include "a widespread dispute", "a frequent debate", or "a recurring conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common controversy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a common controversy" is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard English grammar rules.

What makes something "a common controversy" rather than just a controversy?

Calling something "a common controversy" implies that the issue is not only debated but also widely known and frequently discussed across various platforms or communities. It suggests a level of pervasiveness beyond a simple disagreement.