a contentious area

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious area" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or subject that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change policy remains a contentious area in political discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's a contentious area.

The Guardian

testing remains a contentious area of social science.

The New York Times

"The point is that it is a contentious area".

The Guardian

Howard Stevens QC, on behalf of Tui, told the hearing that the allegations fell into a "contentious area" and were disputed.

The Guardian

An article on Saturday about Israel's decision to develop Jewish settlements in a contentious area east of Jerusalem and in parts of East Jerusalem and the West Bank misidentified, in some copies, the location of a Saban Forum speech in Washington on Friday night by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The New York Times

Israel raised particular alarms with its decision to continue planning and zoning work for the development of a contentious area known as E1, a project vehemently opposed internationally because it would partially separate the northern and southern West Bank, harming the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian state in that territory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The government has also decided to continue planning and zoning work for the development of a particularly contentious area of East Jerusalem known as E1, a project long condemned by Washington because it would harm the prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state, though privately, Israeli and Palestinian officials said that this last decision could be easily reversed.

The New York Times

Public sculpture is a deeply contentious area, as Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani may have recently discovered when he created a ruckus by proposing to install a statue of Frank Sinatra in Times Square.

The New York Times - Arts

Michael Skinner is a polarizing figure in an already contentious area of biology transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

Science Magazine

For all nations this is a hugely contentious area of policy.

The Economist

And that's aside from the quality of the research itself – violent video games research is a hugely contentious area, one that we've covered numerous times before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a contentious area", provide context to explain why it is considered contentious. Clearly outline the different viewpoints or arguments involved to give the reader a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying the reasons behind why something is "a contentious area". Delve into the complexities and underlying issues to provide a more insightful analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious area" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "contentious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "area". It identifies a specific subject or field characterized by disagreement or controversy. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts like politics and science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious area" is a noun phrase used to describe a topic or subject marked by significant disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and scientific reporting. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide adequate context to clarify the reasons for the contentiousness and to avoid oversimplifying the underlying issues. Alternatives such as "a disputed topic" or "a controversial subject" offer slightly different shades of meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disputed topic

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the topic itself.

a controversial subject

Highlights the potential for public disagreement and strong opinions.

a debated issue

Emphasizes the act of formal discussion and argument.

a sensitive subject

Indicates that the topic requires careful handling due to potential offense or emotional reactions.

a problematic area

Suggests the existence of difficulties or challenges associated with the area.

a thorny issue

Implies complexity and difficulty in resolving the matter.

a delicate matter

Highlights the need for careful consideration and tact.

a point of contention

Pinpoints the specific aspect causing disagreement.

a sensitive point

Emphasizes the potential for emotional or political reactions.

a heated debate

Highlights the passionate and often intense nature of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "a contentious area" in a sentence?

You can use "a contentious area" to describe subjects or topics that are prone to disagreement or debate. For example: "The proposed policy change has become "a contentious area" between the two parties".

What are some alternatives to saying "a contentious area"?

Alternatives include "a disputed topic", "a controversial subject", or "a debated issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a contentious area" in formal writing?

Yes, "a contentious area" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing complex issues in politics, science, or other fields. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and context.

What makes a topic qualify as "a contentious area"?

A topic qualifies as "a contentious area" when it involves significant disagreement, conflicting opinions, and potential for debate or dispute among different groups or individuals.