a contentious point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change policies has become a contentious point in recent political discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This is a contentious point.

The Guardian

Which, I admit, is a contentious point".

The New York Times - Arts

But whether creating segregated parks is the right solution is a contentious point.

Independent

The use of high-capacity magazines is a contentious point in the gun debate.

The Washington Post

This proved to be a contentious point, as former LBJ aides and historians emerged to refute her narrative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Are the people really into it with her?" He also questions the principle of reperformance, a contentious point in the art world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Joe Joyce bowed out of the world championships in Qatar in the semi-finals after a contentious points defeat to the Frenchman Tony Yoka.

The Guardian - Sport

A highly contentious point is tossed in like a piece of undigested raw intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

It's a rather contentious point.

The Guardian - Tech

That has become a politically contentious point, with Mr. Trump's allies questioning whether the F.B.I. was spying on the Trump campaign or trying to entrap campaign officials.

The New York Times

As Nicaragua has become an increasingly contentious point of foreign policy debate in recent years, more and more United States policy makers have taken it upon themselves to visit the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contentious point", ensure the context clearly identifies the parties involved and the nature of the disagreement. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a contentious point" when the issue is merely a matter of differing opinions rather than a significant source of conflict or dispute. Use more neutral language if the disagreement is mild.

Linguistic Context

A contentious point functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a specific issue or matter that is subject to disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in pinpointing areas of conflict.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious point" is a versatile noun phrase used to identify issues that spark disagreement and debate across various domains. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in both formal and informal writing, particularly in news and media and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, writers should aim for clarity, ensuring that the nature of the disagreement is well-defined. While alternatives exist, such as ""a sensitive issue"" or ""a controversial topic"", the choice hinges on the specific emphasis desired. Remember to be mindful of overstating the degree of contention when the disagreement is minor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point of contention

Directly refers to the disagreement or quarrel about a specific element.

a controversial topic

Highlights the divisiveness and public debate associated with the topic.

a disputed matter

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and ongoing arguments about the matter.

a sensitive issue

Focuses on the delicacy and potential for emotional reactions surrounding the issue.

a bone of contention

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the disagreement and its tendency to cause conflict.

an arguable subject

Suggests the topic is open to interpretation and rational debate.

a debatable question

Highlights that the issue is still open for discussion and resolution is not clear.

a source of discord

Highlights the disruptive and disharmonious effect of the issue.

a tricky subject

Implies that dealing with the topic requires careful handling to avoid problems.

a difficult question

Highlights the complexity of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a contentious point" to refer to an issue that causes disagreement or argument. For example, "The new policy became "a contentious point" during the negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "a contentious point"?

Alternatives include "a sensitive issue", "a controversial topic", or "a disputed matter". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a contentious point" formal or informal?

"A contentious point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives such as "a point of contention" for a more elevated tone.

What makes something "a contentious point"?

An issue becomes "a contentious point" when it sparks significant disagreement or debate, often involving conflicting perspectives, values, or interests.