a controversial subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a controversial subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics that provoke differing opinions or debates among people. Example: "The debate over climate change is often seen as a controversial subject that divides public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a controversial subject.

The Economist

The governance of academic institutions is a controversial subject.

Princeton University

Surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease remains a controversial subject.

The Spine Journal

This had long been something of a controversial subject.

The New York Times

How to harvest ramps sustainably is a controversial subject.

The New York Times - Food

"Homosexuality is a controversial subject," Mr. Jefferson said.

The New York Times

Crowd-sourcing has been a controversial subject in advertising.

The New York Times

Crowdsourcing has been a controversial subject in advertising.

The New York Times

Bankers' bonuses and pay remain a controversial subject.

Independent

Sexuality, Dr. Satcher said, "has always been a controversial subject".

The New York Times - Science

It is also, inevitably, a controversial subject in China.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a controversial subject" to signal potential disagreement or debate to your audience, prompting them to consider different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a subject as "a controversial subject" without explaining why. Provide background information and differing viewpoints to give readers a comprehensive understanding of the controversy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a controversial subject" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a topic that generates disagreement or debate. Ludwig shows this phrase being used across various contexts to introduce potentially divisive topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a controversial subject" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce topics that are subject to disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When using the phrase, it is best practice to provide context and explain the different viewpoints surrounding the topic. While alternatives like "a contentious topic" or "a divisive issue" exist, "a controversial subject" remains a widely understood and accepted way to signal potential disagreement to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious topic

Replaces 'subject' with 'topic' and 'controversial' with 'contentious', emphasizing the divisiveness of the issue.

a divisive issue

Uses 'divisive' instead of 'controversial', highlighting the polarizing nature of the subject.

a disputed matter

Focuses on the aspect of disagreement and contention surrounding the subject.

a debatable point

Emphasizes the aspect of open discussion and differing opinions.

a sensitive area

Highlights the potential for causing discomfort or offense when discussing the subject.

a thorny question

Implies that the subject is complex and difficult to resolve.

a delicate situation

Suggests the subject requires careful handling to avoid problems.

a vexed issue

Uses 'vexed' to indicate that the issue causes annoyance or difficulty.

an unsettled question

Indicates that the subject is still under debate and lacks a definitive resolution.

a polarized topic

Highlights the division of opinions into opposing sides.

FAQs

What does "a controversial subject" mean?

It means a topic that is subject to strong disagreement or debate among people. It often involves differing opinions and can evoke strong emotions.

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

You can use it to introduce a topic that has conflicting viewpoints, such as "Climate change is "a controversial subject" that sparks heated debates."

What can I say instead of "a controversial subject"?

You can use alternatives like "a contentious topic", "a divisive issue", or "a disputed matter" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to label a topic as "a controversial subject" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as you provide sufficient context and maintain a neutral tone. Acknowledge the different viewpoints and avoid expressing personal bias.