a contentious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change remains a contentious question among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

How low is "low fee" is also a contentious question.

The Guardian

While at the tea stall, I meekly threw a contentious question to the men: Who are local Jharkhandis?

The New York Times

A contentious question: Where can you find the best hummus in Jerusalem? A. Debates go on forever about which hummusia is the best in the city.

The New York Times - Travel

The head of Pakistan International Airlines, a former air chief marshall, was among the guests, and I could not resist the opportunity to ask him a contentious question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some two million Iraqis are displaced within the country, so a contentious question is whether they should be allowed to vote where they now live or in their home provinces, and where their votes should be counted.

The New York Times

Why the probes were still in use is a contentious question, but here is what we know for sure: Between 2003 and 2008, there were at least 17 cases in which the Thales AA had problems on the Airbus A330 and its sister plane, the A340.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A Google search of any contentious question will yield millions of results, but in that sea of information it can be difficult to separate what's trustworthy from what's not.

Huffington Post

A highly contentious question for many American donors is what should happen with the dozens and dozens of Jewish settlements that stud the occupied territories, the heart of any future Palestinian state.

The New York Times

Simon Schama, who moderated, wasted no time starting off the night with a characteristically contentious question: "What's wrong," he asked the three novelists, "with the term 'historical fiction'?" (A question we've considered before).Peter Carey, who has won two Man Booker prizes for novels one could easily classify as historical fiction, answered first.

The Economist

Residents in the area around ground zero are wrestling with an increasingly contentious question: how to transport all those people in and out, without clogging up cobblestone residential streets with chartered fume-spewing double-deckers?

The New York Times

That is a much more contentious question, one that will divide historians long after the detail of the arguments that made Labour such a snakepit of factions for much of the last century has faded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a contentious question", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the disagreement. Providing background information can help your audience understand the different perspectives involved.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a contentious question" as having a simple, binary answer. Acknowledge the complexities and nuances of the debate to maintain credibility and avoid alienating readers with differing viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or direct object. It identifies a subject or topic that is characterized by disagreement or controversy. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to introduce issues causing debate, such as the conditions for reopening a factory park or the safety of spray-on fireproofing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a topic marked by strong disagreement or debate. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific writing. Related phrases include "a controversial question" and "a disputed question", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge the complexities of the issue and avoid oversimplification to maintain credibility. Remembering these tips will help you leverage this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controversial question

Emphasizes the potential for public disagreement and strong opposing viewpoints.

a disputed question

Suggests that the question is currently under debate and lacks a clear consensus.

a debatable question

Highlights the question's susceptibility to argument and differing opinions.

a contested question

Indicates an active struggle or competition of ideas surrounding the question.

an arguable question

Suggests the question has some merit on both sides, making it open to interpretation.

a fraught question

Implies the question is filled with tension, anxiety and potential negative consequences.

a sensitive question

Highlights the need for careful consideration and tact when addressing the question.

a tricky question

Focuses on the question's complexity and the difficulty of finding a satisfactory answer.

a thorny question

Emphasizes the challenging and problematic nature of the question, suggesting it may be difficult to resolve.

a vexed question

Highlights the question's ability to cause irritation, frustration, or annoyance.

FAQs

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

Use "a contentious question" to introduce a topic that is subject to strong disagreement or debate. For instance, "The role of government in healthcare remains "a contentious question" in many countries".

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

You can use alternatives such as "a controversial issue", "a disputed topic", or "a debatable point" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a contentious question" or "a controversial question"?

Both phrases are valid, but ""a contentious question"" often implies a longer-standing or more deeply rooted disagreement, while "a controversial question" may refer to a more recent or publicly debated issue.

What makes a question "contentious"?

A question becomes "contentious" when there are strong, conflicting opinions or beliefs surrounding it, leading to ongoing debate and disagreement. This can stem from ethical, political, social, or economic factors.