a disputed topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disputed topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subject or issue that is subject to disagreement or controversy among individuals or groups. Example: "The debate over climate change remains a disputed topic among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

How it came to be, and to be in the Temple, remains a disputed topic, though Finkelstein and Silberman believe it was written in the seventh century B.C. Obeying the commandments of the scroll, Josiah ordered a thorough purification of the cult of the Hebrew god YHWH (Yahweh).

The New York Times - Books

The nexus between international migration and human capital remains a disputed topic.

IZA Journal of Migration

If a teacher tries to teach complex ambiguities or convey the complex dynamics of a disputed topic students quickly become anxious and impatient.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Traumatic basal subarachnoid haemorrhage (TBSH) following trauma to the head, face or neck is well-established as a cause of death; however it remains a heavily disputed topic as the site of vascular injury is difficult to identify.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine

The frequency with which a given codon is used in the genetic code can vary significantly among organisms but how an organism develops preferences for specific codons is a vigorously disputed topic in molecular evolution.

Plosone

How much of a loss uninsured depositors with accounts of more than 100,000 euros at the bank would have to bear has become a hotly disputed topic in the past two weeks, pitting Cyprus's creditors — the European Commission, the European Central Bank and in particular the International Monetary Fund, known widely as the troika — against the Cyprus government.

The New York Times

Relativism remains a hotly disputed topic still surviving various attempts to eliminate it from philosophical discourse.

SEP

See related commentary by van Hooijdonk et al, http://ccforum.com/content/16/6/178 Glucose control in critically ill patients has been a highly disputed topic since 2001, when van den Berghe et al. showed that intensive insulin therapy (IIT) (mean glucose levels ≤6.11 mmol/L) could reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients in surgical ICUs by 42% [ 1].

Critical Care

However, the ministry cautioned that a panel of experts investigating the highly disputed topic had not reached a conclusion.

The Guardian - Books

The problem of ingesting known allergens can be solved by that hotly disputed topic – labeling.

Harvard University

His scope is wide, but for the past several years he has focused on the hotly disputed topic of the mind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a disputed topic", ensure the context clearly indicates who is disputing the topic and the nature of the disagreement. Providing specific details can strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a disputed topic" without providing any context or specifics. State clearly what the dispute is about and who the disagreeing parties are to avoid vague or meaningless statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disputed topic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a subject under contention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Academia

33.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disputed topic" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable expression, denoting a subject of disagreement across diverse sources like news, scientific publications, and academic writing. While not exceedingly common, its presence underscores the importance of context and clarity when signaling contentiousness. To enhance precision, specify the nature of the dispute and those involved, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "a contentious issue" or "a controversial subject" offer nuanced options for conveying disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious issue

Emphasizes the potential for argument and strong disagreement.

a controversial subject

Highlights the divisive nature and public debate surrounding the topic.

a matter of debate

Focuses on the formal or informal discussion and contrasting viewpoints.

a point of contention

Highlights the specific element causing disagreement.

a debatable point

Highlights the uncertainty and varying perspectives on the topic.

an unsettled question

Suggests that the topic lacks a definitive answer or resolution.

a bone of contention

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a source of ongoing disagreement.

an open question

Implies that the matter is still under consideration and not yet decided.

a thorny issue

Implies that the topic is complex and difficult to resolve.

a moot point

Suggests that the practical significance of the topic is questionable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a disputed topic" when referring to a subject where there is significant disagreement. For example: "The effectiveness of the new policy remains "a disputed topic" among economists."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a disputed topic"?

Alternatives include "a contentious issue", "a controversial subject", or "a matter of debate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who is disputing "a disputed topic"?

While not always strictly necessary, specifying who is disputing the topic adds clarity and strength to your statement. Without it, the statement may seem vague or lack impact.

What makes a topic "a disputed topic"?

A topic becomes "a disputed topic" when there are conflicting viewpoints, evidence, or interpretations, leading to disagreement and debate among individuals or groups.