a large controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant disagreement or debate on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The new policy has sparked a large controversy among the community, with many people voicing their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The panel's report has stirred up a large controversy in academic circles.

Science Magazine

There is general agreement that practice of skill B can interfere with future performance of skill A, but there is however a large controversy as to whether this interference actually exhibits a temporal gradient.

Plosone

However, a large controversy exists in the literature in relation to the AMPK pathway involvement in tumourigenesis and cancer progression.

Bioscience Reports

Over the years these studies evoked a large controversy on the production rates, division rates, and lifespans of mouse and human lymphocyte populations, leaving fundamental questions such as the maintenance of memory, the maintenance of a diverse naive lymphocyte repertoire, and the nature of homeostatic mechanisms largely unresolved [ 43].

Aging

Yet, there is a large controversy around the use of summary methods, centering on the observation that recombination-free sequence alignments can be very short, and that standard summary methods can produce species trees with reduced accuracy when the gene trees have reduced accuracy resulting from insufficient sequence length [ 45, 14, 25].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A larger controversy is where to put the carbon dioxide.

The New York Times

The court touched off a larger controversy in November when it ruled that crucifixes should be removed from classrooms in Italy because their display could be disturbing for non-Christian pupils and was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

— Two controversial calls by officials came in the first two days of the N.C.A.A. tournament's main draw, but that doesn't necessarily mean there is a larger controversy brewing.

The New York Times

The debate over Santino is part of a larger controversy over whether some humanlike animal behaviors might have simpler explanations.

Science Magazine

The debate is part of a larger controversy over whether or not the country should phase out its nuclear power by 2022, as current law stipulates.

Science Magazine

But those settlements, totaling $13 million and originally reported by the New York Times, are just one component of a larger controversy surrounding the right-wing network.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large controversy", ensure the context clearly establishes what the controversy pertains to. Providing specific details or background information will enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a large controversy" to describe minor disagreements or debates. Ensure that the situation genuinely involves significant public attention, widespread disagreement, or serious consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large controversy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. The examples provided by Ludwig indicate its use in describing various situations marked by significant disagreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large controversy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a significant disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides various examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral tone and appears frequently in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly define the subject of the controversy and avoid exaggerating its scale. For alternatives, consider using "a major dispute" or "a significant debate" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major dispute

Replaces "controversy" with "dispute", implying a more formal and potentially legal disagreement.

a significant debate

Substitutes "controversy" with "debate", suggesting a more structured and reasoned discussion of opposing viewpoints.

a heated argument

Replaces "controversy" with "argument", indicating a more emotional and potentially confrontational disagreement.

a considerable contention

Uses "contention" instead of "controversy", highlighting the act of arguing or asserting a point of view.

a widespread disagreement

Replaces "large controversy" with "widespread disagreement", emphasizing the broad scope of the differing opinions.

a notable conflict

Substitutes "controversy" with "conflict", suggesting a more direct and potentially adversarial opposition.

a burning issue

Uses a more figurative expression to describe a problem causing strong feelings of anxiety or interest.

a contentious matter

Replaces "controversy" with "contentious matter", making the phrase slightly more formal and emphasizing the tendency to cause argument.

a point of contention

Focuses on a specific element causing disagreement within a larger context.

a source of friction

Replaces "controversy" with "source of friction", implying underlying tension and potential for conflict.

FAQs

How can I replace "a large controversy" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "a major dispute", "a significant debate", or "a heated argument" to convey different nuances of disagreement.

Is it appropriate to use "a large controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a large controversy" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or journalistic contexts. However, consider alternatives like "a considerable contention" or "a contentious matter" for an even more formal tone.

What makes a controversy "large"?

A controversy is considered "large" when it involves significant public attention, widespread disagreement among various groups, and potentially serious consequences or implications. It goes beyond simple disagreements or minor disputes.

Can "a large controversy" be positive?

While "controversy" often carries a negative connotation, it can sometimes lead to positive change or increased awareness. However, the phrase itself is neutral and depends on the context and outcome of the situation being described.