a contentious topic for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contentious topic for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "Climate change remains a contentious topic for policymakers and scientists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The ownership of superhero characters continues to be a contentious topic for the comic book industry.

The New York Times

Clancy wrote genre fiction, which can be a contentious topic for criticism – and he wrote the military-espionage-techno-thriller sort, flourished with a lot of rightish flair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lina Shannak, 23, is an example: Writing in Arabic for Hiber, a social media organization, she focuses on national identity, a contentious topic for many in a country divided between people of Palestinian and Bedouin tribal descent.

The New York Times

Candidates do not have to meet any qualifications and serve lifetime terms - a contentious topic for many.

BBC

And it will continue to be a contentious topic for years to come, as Americans not only wait to see what the final Republican health care alternative looks like, but also to understand when and how it will impact their lives.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Russian Revolution became a contentious topic of study at the University of Chicago.

University of Chicago

It just says, 'Try to remember what happened.'" It seems like an uncharacteristically contentious topic for a director whose solo shows such as Needles and Opium, The Far Side of the Moon, and The Andersen Project have favoured the personal over the political.

The Guardian

The safety of glyphosate has been a contentious topic since the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a branch of the World Health Organization, classified the substance as a probable carcinogen two years ago.

The New York Times

Oil drilling can be a politically contentious topic for Norwegians.

The New York Times

Sandusky said the organization had had its hands full with planning logistics for the 2012 London Games, which will begin in less than a year, and with discussions with the I.O.C. about revenue sharing, which has been a contentious topic between the two groups for the past several years.

The New York Times - Sports

"Racism" has emerged as a contentious topic due to Obama running for President and his Reverend's controversial comments.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a contentious topic for" when you want to emphasize that a particular subject is likely to cause disagreement or argument. This signals to the reader that multiple viewpoints exist and that the issue may be sensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "a contentious topic for" in very informal or casual settings. Simpler phrases like "a tricky subject" or "a touchy issue" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contentious topic for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a subject as being likely to cause disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often introduces a topic that has multiple, conflicting viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contentious topic for" is a useful phrase for introducing subjects that are likely to cause disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it is grammatically correct and understandable, it's important to consider the context and audience when using it, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, as well as in Science and Academia, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian providing examples of its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controversial subject for

Replaces 'topic' with 'subject', emphasizing the matter under discussion.

a disputed issue for

Uses 'issue' instead of 'topic', focusing on the point of contention.

a debated matter for

Substitutes 'topic' with 'matter', highlighting the act of formal discussion.

a point of contention for

Focuses on the specific element causing disagreement.

a source of discord for

Emphasizes the disharmony resulting from the topic.

a matter of argument for

Highlights the presence of opposing viewpoints.

a bone of contention for

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the persistent nature of the dispute.

a sensitive issue for

Highlights the delicate nature of the topic and the need for careful handling.

a difficult subject for

Emphasizes the challenges associated with discussing the topic.

a problematic area for

Focuses on the troubles or difficulties linked to the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "a contentious topic for" in a sentence?

You can use "a contentious topic for" to introduce a subject that often leads to disagreement. For example, "Healthcare reform is "a contentious topic for" many voters."

What are some alternatives to "a contentious topic for"?

Alternatives include "a controversial issue for", "a disputed matter for", or "a sensitive subject for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a contentious topic for" or "a controversial topic for"?

Both "a contentious topic for" and "a controversial topic for" are acceptable. "Contentious" emphasizes the likelihood of argument, while "controversial" highlights widespread disagreement. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a topic "a contentious topic for" a group or community?

A topic becomes "a contentious topic for" a group when it involves conflicting values, beliefs, or interests, leading to heated debates and disagreements. Examples include political issues, ethical dilemmas, or resource allocation.