a contentious atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment or situation characterized by disagreement, conflict, or controversy. Example: "The meeting was held in a contentious atmosphere, with heated debates and differing opinions on the proposed policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Boras declined all attempts by the Mariners to speak with Rodriguez directly, angering club officials and creating a contentious atmosphere.

The New York Times - Sports

The current system creates such a contentious atmosphere that some physicians are discouraged, even by their own attorneys, from offering an honest apology to a patient when a mistake occurs.

The New York Times

"It was fun for him to go in there, whereas in the past, when he'd gone to a comic-book company's offices, it was a contentious atmosphere and a lot of emotional baggage".

The New York Times

Blackmun has helped formulate a more succinct blueprint for the committee, and he remained firm amid a contentious atmosphere when carrying out a resolution to hold professional athletes to the same drug-testing standards as other American Olympians.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We still believe a replacement tanker is needed as soon as possible, and we hope this will only result in a delay of several months and that the next administration can quickly take this up in a less contentious atmosphere and get a deal done," said Geoff Morrell, Pentagon press secretary.

Los Angeles Times

While a Chicago filing could be most convenient, it is also probable that United employees would fill the courtroom, creating a potentially contentious atmosphere.

The New York Times

The repeal was not retroactive and its effects on generic drug sales were not felt until the late 1990's, but it helped to create a more contentious atmosphere between generic and brand-name companies.

The New York Times

A major element in the contentious atmosphere is the internal fighting within the established political organizations in South Korea, many only recently formed.

The New York Times

"The IVP conference is an opportunity to promote bipartisan relationship outside the contentious atmosphere of the state Capitol," Howle said.

Los Angeles Times

The sanctions passed the Senate by a unanimous vote, almost unheard of in today's contentious atmosphere.

The New York Times

Although France and Russia have objected to lifting the sanctions until the United Nations certifies that Iraq is free of weapons of mass destruction, Mr. Bush asserted that there was a "mood to work together" with other members of the Security Council and that the contentious atmosphere that existed before the Iraq war had changed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with significant disagreement, consider using "a contentious atmosphere" to emphasize the ongoing nature of the dispute and its impact on the environment.

Common error

Avoid using "a contentious atmosphere" simply as a synonym for "disagreement". Ensure the context clearly illustrates an environment where disagreement is pervasive and impactful, not just a single instance of conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious atmosphere" functions as a noun phrase, with "contentious" modifying the noun "atmosphere". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show that the phrase is used to describe a situation or environment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious atmosphere" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict environments marked by considerable disagreement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While relatively infrequent, it appears mainly in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedia articles. When writing, using related phrases like ""a hostile environment"" or ""a divisive climate"" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas and provide semantic variety. Remember to use it when the disagreement is pervasive and impacts the environment, not as just a simple synonym for disagreement. The phrase is more common in professional or neutral writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hostile environment

Emphasizes the actively unfriendly and aggressive nature of the environment.

a divisive climate

Highlights the tendency of the environment to cause separation and disagreement.

a fraught situation

Focuses on the anxiety and tension present in the situation.

a heated environment

Stresses the intensity and emotional charge of the atmosphere.

a polarized environment

Highlights the division into opposing groups or viewpoints.

a confrontational setting

Implies a tendency towards direct opposition and conflict.

a discordant atmosphere

Stresses the lack of harmony and agreement.

a turbulent climate

Focuses on the instability and disorder within the environment.

a strained environment

Highlights the presence of tension and discomfort.

a quarrelsome environment

Suggests a tendency for frequent arguments and disagreements.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a contentious atmosphere" in a sentence?

Use "a contentious atmosphere" to depict a setting marked by significant and ongoing disagreement or debate. For example: "Budget negotiations occurred within "a contentious atmosphere" due to differing priorities".

What are some alternatives to using "a contentious atmosphere"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider using alternatives like "a hostile environment", "a divisive climate", or "a heated environment".

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

Yes, "a contentious atmosphere" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing political, social, or professional environments characterized by strong disagreement. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids unnecessary jargon.

What distinguishes "a contentious atmosphere" from a simple disagreement?

"A contentious atmosphere" implies a sustained state of disagreement, often involving multiple parties and impacting the overall environment or situation. A simple disagreement, on the other hand, may be a one-time occurrence or a less pervasive issue.