an issue of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an issue of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or subject that is disputed or causes disagreement among people. Example: "The proposed policy change has become an issue of contention among the board members, leading to heated debates during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mr. Reimer's varying accounts of his role have long been an issue of contention.

The New York Times

The word "slut" has always been an issue of contention among feminists.

The Guardian - Opinion

But tie their political vows they did, and now the government's immigration policy is starting to become an issue of contention.

The Guardian

These have become an issue of contention for other countries that see China using its exchange rate to stoke exports, even as trade deficits and surpluses have started to rise in many countries.

The New York Times

The bonuses are an issue of contention between Thain and Bank of America and are one of the reasons why the former Merrill boss was prevailed upon to resign.

The Guardian - Business

This might seem a statement of the obvious, but for a large part of the last decade the leadership has been an issue of contention in the Labour party and over the last few months it has not been hard to find people with nagging doubts about Miliband.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The relationship between environmental protection (EP), the economy, and jobs has been an issue of harsh contention for decades.

Journal of Environmental Management

"The Kids Are All Right" starts from the premise that gay marriage, an issue of ideological contention and cultural strife, is also an established social fact.

The New York Times

The description of the Arab League peace plan, for example, does not mention the centrality in the plan of the "right of return" for Palestinian refugees, an issue of great contention for the Jewish state.

The New York Times - Books

The push to increase missions by the Predator, and its larger and more deadly variant, the Reaper, has been an issue of serious contention between Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the armed services, in particular the Air Force.

The New York Times

7.36pm BST Enric Molina of Spain is our umpire… 7.35pm BST An explanation of the scoring system to be used here… …because in the past it has become an issue of surprising contention: Evans* 0-0 Thatc That means that in the game I'm describing – necessarily after the event, if only just – Evans was serving.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an issue of contention" to introduce a topic that is likely to spark disagreement or has already become a point of conflict. This signals to your audience that the subject is not universally accepted and requires careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "an issue of contention" when describing intensely emotional or personal conflicts. It can sound detached and insensitive, especially if the situation involves grief or trauma. Opt for more empathetic language to acknowledge the emotional weight of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an issue of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or subject that is the source of disagreement or debate, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an issue of contention" is a versatile phrase used to denote a topic that is subject to disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, its overuse in emotionally charged contexts should be avoided. Similar phrases, such as "a point of disagreement" or "a matter of dispute", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, remember that its core function is to highlight the existence of differing perspectives, thus setting the stage for careful consideration and balanced discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point of disagreement

This alternative is more general, referring to any instance where opinions diverge.

a matter of dispute

This alternative suggests a formal disagreement, often in a legal or official context.

a bone of contention

This alternative idiom emphasizes the persistent and irritating nature of the disagreement.

a source of conflict

This alternative highlights the potential for the disagreement to escalate into active conflict.

a subject of debate

This alternative focuses on the discussion and arguments surrounding the issue.

a controversial topic

This alternative emphasizes the polarizing nature of the subject matter.

a contested issue

This alternative highlights the fact that the issue is actively challenged or opposed.

a point at issue

This alternative is a more formal and technical way of referring to the specific point of disagreement.

a matter in question

This alternative suggests that the issue is uncertain and requires further investigation.

a moot point

This alternative implies that the issue is no longer relevant or practical.

FAQs

How can I use "an issue of contention" in a sentence?

You can use "an issue of contention" to introduce a topic that is causing disagreement or debate. For example, "The new zoning law has become "an issue of contention" among residents."

What phrases are similar to "an issue of contention"?

Similar phrases include "a point of disagreement", "a matter of dispute", or "a bone of contention", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "an issue of contention" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "an issue of contention" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and professionally indicates a subject of disagreement. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose the most precise phrase for the context.

What's the difference between "an issue of contention" and "a source of conflict"?

"An issue of contention" refers to a topic of disagreement or debate, while "a source of conflict" implies that the disagreement is actively causing friction or hostility. The latter suggests a more escalated state of disagreement.