an object of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an object of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is a source of disagreement or dispute among people or groups. Example: "The proposed policy change has become an object of contention among the board members, leading to heated debates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The content of the laws of progress, however, is an object of contention.

SEP

Now, the team has been turned into an object of contention and, to some, shame.

The New York Times

When you become an object of contention, try to neutralize the conflict.

The New Yorker

In 1592 the Baltic lands became an object of contention between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden.

Britannica

But like most things in Jerusalem, the Bridge of Strings, as it is known, has become an object of contention.

The New York Times

In 1023 the Chandelas lost Kalinjar, which was thenceforth an object of contention between Hindus and Muslims.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Senate removed the fund, which had become an object of much contention.

The New York Times

It was fortified by the Visconti family in the 14th century and was an object of continuous contention until it became a countship in 1647.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IN a way, these are the last pawns of a long-ago war, a remaining object of contention between old combatants.

The New York Times

Cyprus, with a population of about one million, has long been a volatile object of contention between Greece and Turkey, to the detriment of both the Greek-Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriots.

The New York Times

At that theater Ms. Marvel and Mr. van Hove first worked together on the infamous bathtub Blanche, in which Ms. Marvel played the fragile heroine of Williams's "Streetcar" in a radically strange production prominently featuring the lavatory that becomes such a fatal object of contention between Blanche and Stanley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "an object of contention" when you want to emphasize that something is actively being disputed and causing disagreement. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions where you need to convey the presence of conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "an object of contention" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an object of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that is the cause of disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an object of contention" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes something causing disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage. It appears commonly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure it fits the tone and formality of your writing, opting for simpler alternatives like "point of conflict" in informal settings. This phrase provides a precise way to describe subjects that are causing conflict and disagreement, as emphasized by the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of conflict

Focuses on the clashing nature of the disagreement, highlighting the conflict itself.

bone of contention

This alternative is an idiomatic expression with a stronger emphasis on the cause of the disagreement.

matter of dispute

Emphasizes the uncertainty and debate surrounding the issue.

source of discord

Highlights the disharmony and lack of agreement the issue creates.

subject of controversy

This emphasizes the public debate and differing opinions.

area of disagreement

This emphasizes the specific aspect where opinions diverge.

issue in contention

Highlights that the point is a specific issue under debate.

point of argument

Highlights the presence of direct argumentation regarding the subject.

disputed topic

This alternative simplifies the phrase to a topic under disagreement.

contested subject

This alternative simplifies the phrase to a subject being challenged or argued about.

FAQs

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

You can use "an object of contention" to describe something that is the cause of disagreement or dispute, for example: "The proposed budget cuts have become "an object of contention" between the two parties."

What are some alternatives to "an object of contention"?

Alternatives include "point of conflict", "bone of contention", or "matter of dispute". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "an object of contention" formal or informal?

"An object of contention" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal contexts.

What makes something "an object of contention"?

Something becomes "an object of contention" when different parties hold conflicting views or interests regarding it, leading to disagreement and debate.