a topic of controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topic of controversy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a subject or issue that is highly debated and has differing viewpoints. Example: The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of controversy for many years, with some arguing for its medicinal benefits while others argue against its potential negative effects.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The choice seemed deliberate: It was 80 degrees and humid, and the coat had been a topic of controversy for hours.

The Washington Post

Pay was a topic of controversy during the annual general meeting of the Co-op Group on Saturday when a third of members declined to back the remuneration report, which included payouts to departed directors such as Sutherland.

The Guardian - Business

ROSE TO MANAGE GAME WITH FORMER PLAYERS: Pete Rose, whose lifetime ban from major league baseball for gambling remains a topic of controversy, has agreed to manage a team of celebrity old-timers in Buffalo on July 15, the Class AAA Buffalo Bisons announced yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the impact of natural selection with regard to biological features is well understood, its influence on human behavior is a topic of controversy.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The list it refers to has been a topic of controversy for quite a long time, since allegations came out that many people on the list did not in reality partipicate in the defense of Croatia during the war that lasted from 1991 to 1995, despite the fact that many of them have gotten benefits and special rights from the Croatian goverment.

TechCrunch

His residence in the sprawling city has also become a topic of controversy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The potential of conducting polymer coatings for corrosion protection is a topic of current controversy.

Electrochimica Acta

Agricultural biotechnology, especially genetic engineering or genetic modification (GM), is a topic of considerable controversy worldwide.

New Biotechnology

These variations provide important clues about the location of the acceleration, a topic of some controversy.

Harvard University

The response of prestress secondary reactions in the post-elastic range has been a topic of much controversy.

Composites Part B: Engineering

This is a topic of enormous controversy, but one can begin to get a grasp of it by noticing that thoughts are typically referred to, or expressed by, sentential complements, or clauses beginning with that.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a topic of controversy", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the different viewpoints or arguments are concerning the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "a topic of controversy" without providing specific context or details about the controversy itself. Failing to do so can leave your writing vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a topic of controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a subject that is widely debated and has conflicting viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topic of controversy" is a common noun phrase used to denote a subject with significant disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in formal writing. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news media contexts, signaling subjects with ethical, moral, or political disagreements. Related phrases include "a subject of controversy" and "a point of controversy". When using the phrase, provide specific context about the differing viewpoints to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of controversy

Replaces "topic" with "subject", slightly altering the focus from the discussion itself to the core issue.

a point of controversy

Substitutes "topic" with "point", emphasizing a specific element within a larger debate.

a matter of controversy

Uses "matter" instead of "topic", suggesting something that is being dealt with or considered.

an issue of contention

Replaces both "topic" and "controversy" for a more formal tone.

a source of debate

Focuses on the debate aspect of the controversy, highlighting different opinions.

a subject of disagreement

Replaces "controversy" with "disagreement", softening the tone and emphasizing the lack of consensus.

a contentious issue

Uses an adjective to describe the nature of the issue itself.

a debated subject

Highlights the act of debating the topic.

an area of conflict

Emphasizes the conflict aspect, indicating opposing viewpoints.

a bone of contention

Idiomatic expression highlighting a specific issue causing disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a topic of controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "a topic of controversy" to introduce a subject that is widely debated and has conflicting viewpoints. For example, "The ethical implications of artificial intelligence remain "a topic of controversy" among experts".

What are some alternatives to "a topic of controversy"?

Alternatives include "a subject of controversy", "a point of controversy", or "a matter of controversy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a topic of controversy" or "a controversial topic"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "A controversial topic" directly describes the topic as being controversial, while "a topic of controversy" focuses on the existence of the controversy surrounding the topic.

What makes something "a topic of controversy"?

A subject becomes "a topic of controversy" when there are significant disagreements or opposing viewpoints surrounding it, often involving ethical, moral, or political considerations.