a divisive issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a divisive issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or subject that causes disagreement or conflict among people. Example: "The debate over climate change has become a divisive issue in recent years, with strong opinions on both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cover art was a divisive issue.

The New Yorker

It's not a divisive issue.

The Guardian - Music

The term Rohingya is a divisive issue.

The Guardian

The term is a divisive issue.

The Guardian

"This time, it's not a divisive issue.

The Guardian

The ballpark has been a divisive issue for some time.

The New York Times

But a bit of sugar shouldn't be a divisive issue.

The New York Times

This is a divisive issue, and always will be.

The Guardian - Books

Dodging military service is a divisive issue in Israel.

The Guardian

Family planning is a divisive issue in Uganda.

The Guardian

But NHS pay risks becoming a divisive issue for staff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a divisive issue", ensure you provide context to explain why the issue is divisive and who is divided. This adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "a divisive issue" without explaining the different viewpoints or the underlying reasons for the division. Provide specific details to make your analysis more insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a divisive issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a particular subject as one that causes disagreement and separation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a divisive issue" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that identifies subjects causing significant disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the presence of conflicting viewpoints. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase is also present across encyclopedias and formal business contexts. For enhanced clarity, always contextualize why an issue is divisive. Alternatives such as "a contentious issue" or "a controversial topic" can offer nuanced descriptions depending on the intended focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious issue

Focuses on the disputable nature of the matter.

a controversial topic

Highlights the presence of widespread disagreement.

a polarizing subject

Emphasizes the tendency to create opposing groups.

a point of contention

Underscores the specific element causing disagreement.

a source of discord

Indicates the origin of conflict or disharmony.

a matter of dispute

Highlights the element of formal disagreement or debate.

a sensitive subject

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential conflict.

a bone of contention

An idiom emphasizing a persistent and significant disagreement.

a thorny problem

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the issue.

a vexed question

Focuses on the problematic and often frustrating nature of the issue.

FAQs

What does "a divisive issue" mean?

The term "a divisive issue" refers to a topic or subject that causes significant disagreement and separation among people, leading to opposing viewpoints and conflict.

How can I use "a divisive issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a divisive issue" to describe subjects like politics, religion, or social issues. For example: "Brexit remains "a divisive issue" within the UK".

What are some alternatives to "a divisive issue"?

Alternatives include "a contentious issue", "a controversial topic", or "a polarizing subject", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a controversial issue" or "a divisive issue"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a divisive issue" emphasizes the separation and conflict caused by the topic, while "a controversial issue" simply highlights that the topic is subject to debate and disagreement.