a contested topic

USAGE SUMMARY

'a contested topic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when a subject is under debate and there is disagreement between different parties. For example: "The topic of climate change is a contested topic among political leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In Fiji, political tensions make governance a contested topic with considerable impact on CCA and DRR outcomes (Gero et al. 2011b).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Whether these observations represent new biological findings or sequencing error is a contested topic [ 21- 23], but certain poorly characterized environments are hypothesized to contain large reservoirs of yet unknown OTUs [ 24].

GigaScience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A dispassionate chronological narrative, it is an excellent introduction to a bitterly contested topic.

The Economist

Public spending on charter schools is a hotly contested topic, particularly in a time of budget cuts.

The New York Times

Barbecue is a hotly contested topic.

Huffington Post

Although the issue of the monetary value-versus-cultural value is a highly contested topic of debate, Stealing Shadows subliminally articulates the ever-present disparity between the two.

Vice

FolloWhethern Kumar on Twitter.

Vice

The role of politics in poetry is a hotly contested topic among poets and critics alike, and rightly so, since so often what passes in popular culture as political poetry is more about the tenor of the politics than the quality of the poetry.

Huffington Post

Pain associated with these injuries is a complex, contested topic, and narcotic analgesics (NA) remain important treatment options.

BMC Health Services Research

Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of qualitative research to inform decision making in healthcare, historically the systematic review of qualitative research (or qualitative evidence/research synthesis) has been a highly contested topic.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

This has long been a contested issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive subjects, using "a contested topic" can be a neutral way to introduce the disagreement without taking a side.

Common error

Avoid using "a contested topic" simply to describe a complex or difficult subject. "Contested" specifically implies disagreement and debate, not just inherent complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contested topic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a subject as being under dispute or debate. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a contested topic" is a noun phrase used to describe a subject characterized by significant disagreement and debate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While relatively rare, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and business, maintaining a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context truly involves active dispute rather than mere complexity. Remember that you can use alternatives like "a disputed issue" or "a controversial subject" to fine-tune the emphasis of your writing. It's important to note its purpose is to highlight debate surrounding a particular issue rather than just describing something difficult.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disputed issue

Focuses more on the aspect of the topic being actively disputed or challenged.

a controversial subject

Highlights the potential for public disagreement and strong opinions.

a debatable point

Emphasizes the presence of arguments for and against the topic.

a contentious matter

Stresses the likelihood of causing argument and discord.

a point of contention

Directly identifies the specific element causing disagreement.

an open question

Suggests the topic lacks a definitive answer and remains unresolved.

an unsettled matter

Highlights the lack of agreement or resolution on the topic.

a problematic area

Implies that the topic presents challenges or difficulties.

a thorny issue

Conveys the difficulty and complexity of addressing the topic.

a matter of debate

Simply indicates the topic is being actively discussed and debated.

FAQs

What does "a contested topic" mean?

It refers to a subject or issue about which there is significant disagreement or debate.

What are some synonyms for "a contested topic"?

You can use phrases like "a disputed issue", "a controversial subject", or "a debatable point".

How can I use "a contested topic" in a sentence?

For example, "The role of government regulation in the economy is often a contested topic.".

Is it appropriate to use "a contested topic" in formal writing?

Yes, it is suitable for formal writing as it is a neutral and descriptive phrase.