a contentious process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious process" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or procedure that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among the parties involved. Example: "The negotiations for the new contract turned out to be a contentious process, with both sides unable to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Tackling such issues has proven to be a contentious process in the past.

The Washington Post

But the vote is merely one step in what is expected to be a contentious process.

The New York Times

This will be a contentious process and is nowhere near complete – it has hardly been undertaken, as best as I know.

The New York Times

The release of the commission's report capped a contentious process, during which Mr. Bassiouni's comments to journalists often incited anger among the Shiite-led opposition.

The New York Times

The vote on Sunday was the culmination of a contentious process of sweeping political change that began with Mr. Chavez's landslide victory in a December 1998 presidential vote.

The New York Times

In the debate over Ms. Black's qualifications — or lack of them — Dr. Steiner has quickly emerged as a focal point in what is widely expected to be a contentious process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The legislation would be the first step in what is expected to be a long, contentious process of amending a term limits law, approved twice by voters, that will force the mayor, the comptroller, the public advocate and most Council members from office in 2010.

The New York Times

Arbitration can be a long, contentious process that traditionally follows announcement of a deal between two airlines if their unions can't reach contractual or seniority agreements on their own.

The New York Times

Similarly, getting all the securities owners to agree on a price for selling their piece of a mortgage to the Treasury could also become a long, contentious process.

Forbes

"This is likely to be a very contentious process," said Ms. Bysiewicz, whose office will produce a map outlining the districts after the Reapportionment Committee does its work.

The New York Times

House Majority Leader Kumar P. Barve (D-Montgomery), who is on the committee that will work out a compromise tax package, said he does not anticipate it being a very contentious process.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contentious process", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the disagreement. Be specific about who is contending and what the points of contention are.

Common error

Avoid using "a contentious process" as a generic descriptor for any process. Only use it when there is evidence of significant disagreement, argument, or controversy. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious process" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a procedure or series of actions that is marked by disagreement or controversy. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe negotiations, political changes, and legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a contentious process" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe procedures marked by significant disagreement or controversy. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, serving to characterize a situation as involving conflict. Its usage is most common in news and media, science, and academic contexts, and its formality is considered neutral to professional. When writing, ensure the context justifies the use of the phrase by indicating the source and nature of the contention. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider alternatives like "a controversial procedure" or "a disputed proceeding". Overall, as Ludwig AI confirms, using the term correctly enhances clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controversial procedure

Replaces 'contentious' with 'controversial', suggesting the process provokes public disagreement.

a disputed proceeding

Substitutes 'contentious' with 'disputed' and 'process' with 'proceeding', implying disagreement over the legitimacy or fairness of the procedure.

an adversarial negotiation

Replaces 'contentious process' with 'adversarial negotiation', highlighting the conflicting interests of the parties involved.

a difficult undertaking

Changes the focus to the inherent difficulty of the process, rather than the disagreement surrounding it.

a fraught situation

Shifts from 'process' to 'situation', indicating a tension-filled environment.

a problematic endeavor

Replaces 'contentious' with 'problematic' and 'process' with 'endeavor', emphasizing the troubles associated with the effort.

a conflict-ridden operation

Highlights the presence of conflict throughout the operation, substituting 'contentious' with 'conflict-ridden'.

a challenging course of action

Focuses on the difficulty of the chosen path, rather than the contentiousness, while using the more formal 'course of action'.

a thorny issue

Presents the process as a complex and sensitive problem, changing 'process' to 'issue'.

a delicate matter

Emphasizes the sensitivity and potential for disruption, substituting 'contentious' with 'delicate' and 'process' with 'matter'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a contentious process" to describe any procedure marked by significant disagreement or argument, such as, "The contract negotiations became "a contentious process" due to disagreements over salary and benefits."

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

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "a controversial procedure", "a disputed proceeding", or "an adversarial negotiation".

Is "a contentious process" formal or informal?

"A contentious process" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. Its formality is considered neutral.

What makes a process "a contentious process"?

A process becomes "a contentious process" when significant disagreement, argument, or controversy surrounds it. This can involve conflicting viewpoints, strong opposition, or difficulty in reaching a consensus.