a source of dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of dispute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes disagreement or conflict between parties. Example: "The proposed changes to the contract became a source of dispute between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Except the reason was a source of dispute.

The Guardian

Girls' hemlines remain ever a source of dispute.

The Guardian - Opinion

Excise taxes on tobacco sold to non-Indians have been a source of dispute for years.

The New York Times

But the precise location – and even the very existence – of Troy has been a source of dispute throughout the ages.

The Guardian

Girardi knows that catchers can be sensitive about criticism in that area because it can sometimes be a source of dispute between the pitching staff and the catchers.

The New York Times

As a result, Somali communities are also found in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and the border remains a source of dispute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It has been a source of disputes among families for 80 years – but now the Monopoly board game is taking its ability to cause arguments to a global scale.

Independent

[Oct. 2, 2012, 1 23 p.m. | Updated | Charles Monnett, the federal biologist at the heart of the investigation described below, has been cleared of scientific misconduct over his polar bear surveys (report link), but his case remains a source of disputes at several levels — as described in detail by Jill Burke in Alaska Dispatch. There's more from Nature's news blog.

The New York Times

Wishes evolve, documents age, and even one's state of mind can be a source of bitter dispute.

The New York Times

His convictions have become a source of rancorous dispute since they were returned in Federal District Court in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Tribune's treatment of the Times was a source of ongoing dispute among members of Tribune's board, which included three representatives of the Chandler trusts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of dispute", ensure that you clearly identify what is causing the disagreement to avoid ambiguity. Provide context to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of dispute" without specifying what the dispute is about. For example, instead of saying "The policy was a source of dispute", specify: "The policy on remote work was a source of dispute between management and employees."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of dispute" functions as a noun phrase, identifying something that causes disagreement or contention. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to pinpoint the origin of conflicts, arguments, or disagreements across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of dispute" is a versatile noun phrase used to pinpoint the cause of disagreements across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed in news, encyclopedias, wikis, and scientific writings. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify what the dispute is about. While the phrase is neutral in tone, alternatives such as "a point of contention" or "a matter of controversy" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point of contention

Focuses on a specific item or issue that causes disagreement.

an area of disagreement

Emphasizes the scope or field where the disagreement occurs.

a matter of controversy

Highlights that the issue is subject to public debate and conflicting opinions.

a bone of contention

An idiomatic expression indicating a long-standing and persistent dispute.

a cause of friction

Suggests that the issue leads to tension and strained relationships.

a root of conflict

Indicates that the issue is the fundamental reason for an ongoing conflict.

a subject of debate

Highlights the presence of formal or informal discussions and arguments.

an apple of discord

Refers to something that incites envy and contention, often leading to significant conflict.

a ground for argument

Points to a rationale or justification for engaging in argument.

an issue in question

Highlights that the topic is under investigation or is uncertain and disputed.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of dispute" in a sentence?

Use "a source of dispute" to indicate the origin of a disagreement or conflict. For example: "The border between the two countries has long been "a source of dispute"."

What are some alternatives to "a source of dispute"?

Alternatives include "a point of contention", "a matter of controversy", or "a cause of friction", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the source of dispute is" or "a source of dispute is"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they imply different meanings. "The source of dispute is" suggests a specific, identified origin, while "a source of dispute is" implies one of multiple possible origins or a less defined cause.

What's the difference between "a source of dispute" and "a source of conflict"?

"A source of dispute" typically refers to disagreements and arguments, while "a source of conflict" implies a more intense struggle or clash, potentially involving physical or violent confrontation. The choice depends on the severity of the situation you're describing.