a significant controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant controversy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that is causing a lot of debate and disagreement among people. For example: - "The new policy sparked a significant controversy among employees, with some arguing for its benefits and others vehemently opposing it." - "The author's latest book has been surrounded by a significant controversy due to its controversial themes and graphic content." - "The politician's remarks caused a significant controversy, with many calling for an apology and others defending their right to free speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is even a step beyond what is already a significant controversy of the reach of the lobbying commission".

The New York Times

Ms. Rosenkranz incited a significant controversy during an otherwise dull election campaign, by saying that Austria's banning of Nazi ideology and Holocaust denial were "unnecessary restrictions" on freedom of opinion.

The New York Times

In New Hampshire, where people wear their independent streaks with pride, "I suspect that we're not seeing a significant controversy because there was a never a discussion about whether to make this mandatory," said Greg Moore, a spokesman for the Health and Human Services Department.

The New York Times - Health

"The decision to make this mandatory this early has created a significant controversy over things that have nothing to do with the vaccine," said Dr. Joseph A. Bocchini, chairman of the committee on infectious diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The New York Times - Health

The Colombian presidential election campaign appears to hinge on a significant controversy; Colombians want the war to end with rebel groups.

Huffington Post

There is a significant controversy in the current literature about the effect of ASCs on tumor growth as some studies showed that ASCs may favor the growth of tumor cells while other studies contradicted these results [ 222– 225].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In addition to other fixes, the bill has a clear warrant requirement for email content, and would also require law enforcement to get a warrant to track cell phone locations – a matter of significant controversy in courts nationwide.

TechCrunch

In Biomedical sciences use of animals as models to help understand and predict responses in humans, in toxicology and pharmacology in particular remains both the major tool for biomedical advances and a source of significant controversy [8].

Chemistry Central Journal

The contest between St-Pierre and Penn was a source of significant controversy.

Wikipedia

The physical origin of enthalpy entropy compensation has been a matter of significant controversy.

Biochemistry

Our experts recognized this as an area of significant controversy and complexity, but they generally recommended reserving surgical masks, N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment for hospital and ambulatory patients and providers when a community outbreak begins or when the pandemic was widespread.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a significant controversy", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific issue or event causing the disagreement. Provide sufficient background information to allow readers to understand the nature and scope of the controversy.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant controversy" to describe minor disagreements or debates. The term implies a substantial and impactful dispute, so ensure that the level of disagreement warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance or area of substantial disagreement. As Ludwig AI examples show, it can describe a debate or dispute within various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant controversy" is a phrase used to describe a substantial disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While similar phrases like "a major dispute" or "a heated debate" exist, "a significant controversy" emphasizes the importance and impact of the disagreement. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient information about the nature and scope of the controversy. Avoid overstating the significance by applying it to minor disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major dispute

Emphasizes the scale and intensity of the disagreement.

a heated debate

Focuses on the passionate and potentially argumentative nature of the disagreement.

a considerable disagreement

Highlights the extent and impact of the difference in opinion.

a contentious issue

Indicates that the matter is likely to cause argument and disagreement.

a point of contention

Focuses on the specific aspect that is causing the disagreement.

a divisive topic

Highlights the way the issue separates people into opposing groups.

a matter of debate

Emphasizes the formal or structured discussion surrounding the issue.

a source of friction

Suggests that the issue is causing tension and potential conflict.

a bone of contention

Indicates a long-standing and deeply rooted disagreement.

a widely disputed issue

Highlights the breadth of the disagreement across different groups or viewpoints.

FAQs

What does "a significant controversy" mean?

The phrase "a significant controversy" refers to a dispute or disagreement that is substantial in its impact, scope, or the level of public attention it receives. It suggests that the issue at hand is not merely a minor difference of opinion, but a matter of considerable debate and disagreement.

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

You can use "a significant controversy" to describe situations where there is widespread disagreement on a particular issue. For example: "The new policy sparked "a significant controversy" among employees".

What are some alternatives to "a significant controversy"?

Alternatives to "a significant controversy" include phrases like "a major dispute", "a heated debate", or "a contentious issue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant controversy" or "major controversy"?

Both "significant controversy" and "major controversy" are acceptable. "Major controversy" might imply a larger scale or more severe impact than "significant controversy", but the difference is often subtle and context-dependent.