a contentious subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a topic that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change is often seen as a contentious subject, with strong opinions on both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Water remains a contentious subject.

The New York Times - Science

(It's a contentious subject but the local connections are undeniable).

The Guardian

But whenever the rules appear, the Fed will face political scrutiny on such a contentious subject.

The New York Times

In Washington, however, the treaty remains a contentious subject -- on both ideological and practical grounds.

The New York Times

AFFORDABLE housing has long been a contentious subject in the exclusive suburb of Darien.

The New York Times

How to honor our nation's heroes is always a contentious subject.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, says English is a particularly contentious subject, since subjectivity will always be greater than in maths and science.

The Guardian

Though recent polls show Americans shy away from the labels "pro-life" and "pro-choice", the issue is undoubtedly on their radar, and it was about time the candidates address such a contentious issue directly when the subject was brought up in the third and final Presidential Debate on October 19th.

Huffington Post

Leaf mimicry provides a textbook example of adaptation and is also a historically contentious subject that has spurred criticism of modern evolutionary synthesis.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In a recent interview via e-mail, Ms. Lepore discussed why death is a less contentious subject than conception, why the word "parenthood" had to be invented and more.

The New York Times

On the surface, there is hardly a more contentious subject in American life than dieting and nutrition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using the phrase "a contentious subject", consider if a more specific term like 'controversial issue' or 'debated topic' would provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a contentious subject" to sensationalize minor disagreements. Ensure the topic genuinely involves significant debate or conflict to justify its characterization as contentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious subject" functions as a noun phrase, with "contentious" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "subject". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies a topic likely to cause disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote topics prone to disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. For alternatives, one might consider "a controversial issue" or "a debated topic". When employing the phrase, ensure that you avoid sensationalizing minor disagreements, and that your writing provides a balanced perspective on the topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controversial issue

Focuses on the controversial nature of the topic.

a divisive topic

Stresses the topic's ability to cause separation and disagreement.

a debated topic

Emphasizes the act of formal discussion and argument.

a disputed matter

Highlights that the topic is under contention and disagreement.

a sensitive area

Suggests the topic requires careful and tactful handling.

a delicate question

Implies the topic is easily upset or requires careful consideration.

a thorny issue

Indicates the topic is complex and difficult to resolve.

a litigious matter

Emphasizes the potential for legal disputes arising from the topic.

a problematic area

Focuses on the difficulties and potential issues associated with the topic.

a challenging question

Highlights the difficulty in addressing or answering the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a contentious subject" to describe a topic that causes disagreement or argument. For example, "Climate change is "a contentious subject" in many political debates."

What are some alternatives to "a contentious subject"?

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

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

Yes, "a contentious subject" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing topics that involve significant disagreement. However, ensure the context supports its use and consider alternatives if a more neutral tone is desired.

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

A topic qualifies as "a contentious subject" when it consistently generates strong disagreement, debate, or controversy among different groups or individuals. This often involves conflicting values, beliefs, or interests.