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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a controversial subject for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a controversial subject for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that generates differing opinions or debates among people. Example: "Climate change remains a controversial subject for many policymakers and scientists."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
Attitudes towards communism were always a controversial subject for the anticommunist opposition.
News & Media
Moderation is already a controversial subject for YouTube, with PewDiePie famously switching off the comments on his channel in September 2014, complaining that "it's mainly spam, it's people self-advertising, it's people trying to provoke".
News & Media
It is a controversial subject for several reasons.
News & Media
Airport expansion in south-east England has been a controversial subject for years.
News & Media
Collecting sales tax on online purchases has been a controversial subject for years.
News & Media
The topic for my high school valedictory address was equal rights for women, which was a controversial subject for many at the time.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
I become a controversial subject, up for debate, the focus of everyone's look, conversations and reactions.
News & Media
A controversial author of a controversial subject that has puzzled academics for 500 years.
Academia
Subscriptions for news are a controversial subject to say the least.
News & Media
The deformation mechanisms responsible for superplastic deformation have long remained a controversial subject.
Science
The use of graphene based materials as anticorrosive coatings for the protection of metals is still a controversial subject worthy of debate.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "a controversial subject for", ensure that you acknowledge and respect the differing perspectives surrounding the topic.
Common error
Avoid using "a controversial subject for" when the topic is simply unpopular or niche, rather than genuinely generating significant disagreement or debate.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a controversial subject for" acts as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies or describes a noun, highlighting the contentious nature of a particular topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
30%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
3%
Formal & Business
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a controversial subject for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce topics known for generating disagreement and debate. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "a contentious topic for" or "a debatable issue for" can offer slight variations in meaning, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the subject truly evokes significant disagreement. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively introduce and discuss complex issues with clarity and sensitivity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a contentious topic for
Replaces "controversial" with "contentious", suggesting a subject likely to cause argument.
a disputed matter for
Uses "disputed" instead of "controversial", highlighting the element of disagreement and challenge.
a debatable issue for
Substitutes "controversial" with "debatable", emphasizing the aspect of formal discussion and argument.
a polarizing topic for
Replaces "controversial" with "polarizing", indicating a topic that divides opinions strongly.
a sensitive issue for
Changes "controversial" to "sensitive", suggesting a topic that requires careful handling due to potential offense.
a thorny question for
Uses "thorny" to describe the difficulty and complexity of the subject, implying challenges in resolving it.
a vexed question for
Substitutes "controversial" with "vexed", highlighting the problematic and often frustrating nature of the topic.
a hot-button issue for
Replaces with a more informal idiom, suggesting a topic that elicits strong emotional responses.
an issue fraught with controversy for
Changes the structure, emphasizing the presence of controversy surrounding the issue.
a point of contention for
Focuses on the disagreement aspect, highlighting a specific point that causes dispute.
FAQs
How can I use "a controversial subject for" in a sentence?
You can use "a controversial subject for" to introduce a topic that is likely to generate disagreement or strong opinions, such as, "Gun control is "a controversial subject for" many voters."
What are some alternatives to "a controversial subject for"?
Alternatives include "a contentious topic for", "a disputed matter for", or "a debatable issue for depending on the specific nuance you want to convey."
Is it always appropriate to label a topic as "a controversial subject for"?
No, it's important to assess whether genuine disagreement and debate exist. Simply being unpopular or niche doesn't automatically make something ""a controversial subject for"".
What makes a subject "a controversial subject for"?
A subject becomes ""a controversial subject for"" when it evokes strong, conflicting opinions and generates ongoing debate, often due to differing values, beliefs, or interpretations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested