a sharp controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that has generated intense disagreement or debate. Example: "The new policy has sparked a sharp controversy among the community members, leading to heated discussions at the town hall meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Six years ago, a sharp controversy erupted around "Hitler's Willing Executioners," by the young Harvard scholar Daniel Jonah Goldhagen.

The New York Times - Books

It has set off a sharp controversy over property rights, the limits of government authority and the rights of Indians to their original lands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When President Bush announced his plan for educational reform last week, one feature attracted sharp controversy: a proposal to use vouchers for poor children in persistently failing schools.

The New York Times

For most of his lifetime, however, this iconic American musician engendered sharp controversy, and his adamantine leftist politics jeopardized his career in ways that have yet to be fully explored.

The New Yorker

There is still sharp controversy among scientists today regarding the molecular mechanisms of amoebiasis and amebic liver invasion caused by the pathogen E. histolytica.

BioMed Research International

There were also sharp controversies over the size and scope of government, and over whether the United States should go to war in distant places.

The New York Times - Books

Variations of conviction about specific practices (whether a single, "common" cup or many cups are to be used in communion) and doctrines (especially millennial ones about the perfect age of Christ's reign on earth) have produced sharp controversies and withdrawal of fellowship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sharpest controversy is over proposed drilling on public land on the Roan Plateau, a 200-square-mile (518 square km) area near Parachute that is still relatively wild.

The Economist

Edinburgh council is refusing to pay the latest private finance initiative charges for the 17 schools shut down because of safety fears in a sharp escalation of the controversy over the potentially dangerous buildings.

The Guardian

Jones, meanwhile, was promoted from SNL writer to regular player last year, despite some controversy over a sharp, clever satirical joke about slavery back in May.

The Guardian - Film

The controversy has led to a sharp decline in SeaWorld's attendance and stock price.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp controversy", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject of the controversy is to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a sharp controversy over environmental regulations".

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp controversy" when the disagreement is relatively minor or localized. Using it for trivial disputes can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp controversy" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "controversy". It highlights the intensity and acuteness of the disagreement. This aligns with Ludwig's validation of the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp controversy" effectively conveys a situation marked by intense disagreement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, while the examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, the phrase is valuable for emphasizing the pointed nature of a dispute. Related phrases like "a heated dispute" or "a fierce debate" can offer nuanced alternatives. Use the phrase when you intend to describe a controversy that is particularly intense or divisive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heated dispute

Replaces "controversy" with "dispute" to suggest a more direct and active disagreement.

a fierce debate

Uses "debate" instead of "controversy" to emphasize the argumentative nature of the disagreement, also uses "fierce" instead of "sharp" to emphasize the intensity of the debate.

a bitter quarrel

Employs "quarrel" to highlight a more personal and emotional conflict.

a strong disagreement

Offers a more neutral and straightforward alternative, focusing on the lack of consensus.

a major conflict

Shifts the focus to the scale and impact of the disagreement, emphasizing its significance.

an intense argument

Highlights the confrontational aspect of the controversy, suggesting a direct and possibly heated exchange.

a significant contention

Uses a more formal and academic tone, suitable for scholarly contexts.

a profound divergence of opinion

Emphasizes the fundamental differences in viewpoints that underlie the controversy.

a deep rift

Suggests a more lasting and potentially irreparable division resulting from the controversy.

a contentious issue

Focuses on the subject matter itself as being inherently likely to cause disagreement.

FAQs

What does "a sharp controversy" mean?

The phrase "a sharp controversy" describes a situation marked by intense disagreement or dispute, often involving strong opinions and potentially leading to conflict. The word "sharp" emphasizes the intensity and pointed nature of the disagreement.

How can I use "a sharp controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp controversy" to describe a situation where there's significant disagreement. For example, "The proposed policy change has ignited "a sharp controversy" within the community."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp controversy"?

Alternatives to "a sharp controversy" include phrases like "a heated dispute", "a fierce debate", or "a bitter quarrel", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sharp controversy" a formal or informal expression?

"A sharp controversy" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions, indicating its versatility across different communication styles.