an ongoing controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is currently being debated or disputed and has not yet been resolved. Example: "The decision to build the new highway has sparked an ongoing controversy among local residents and environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Besides, there is an ongoing controversy regarding the magnitudes of sand/dust emissions of anthropogenic sources.

Geoderma

Particularly organ like liver, there is an ongoing controversy about existence of liver stem cells.

Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology

There is an ongoing controversy regarding whether flare protocols improve pregnancy rates in 'poor responders'.

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics

First, there has been an ongoing controversy about an additional access road to the site.

The New York Times

The proliferation of city centre student accommodation blocks is an ongoing controversy.

The Guardian

This has developed into an ongoing controversy, with many people objecting to the use of water cannons on the public.

The Guardian

Gaskell's account of Haworth was both the making of the Life, and the source of an ongoing controversy.

The Guardian - Books

For some, that hope has been dashed by an ongoing controversy involving a French diplomat and practising Catholic named Laurent Stefanini, who is gay.

The Guardian

It will also help solve an ongoing controversy over whether Neanderthals and modern humans continued to interbreed after forming distinct species.

The Guardian

The question of the relative importance of race and class in the United States is an ongoing controversy among policymakers, educators, and social scientists.

Yale University

It's worth noting that in Arizona, there is an ongoing controversy over whether residents truly are getting lower rates on solar energy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing controversy", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific issue being debated and why it remains unresolved. Providing background information helps the reader understand the significance of the controversy.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope or impact of "an ongoing controversy". Ensure that the issue is genuinely significant and that the controversy is not merely a minor disagreement or misunderstanding. Accurate and balanced portrayal is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to denote an issue currently under debate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

51%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing controversy" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a situation characterized by prolonged disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding exaggeration of the issue's significance. Related phrases such as ""a continuing dispute"" or ""a persistent debate"" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances helps in crafting precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing dispute

Emphasizes the element of disagreement and contention that persists over time.

a persistent debate

Highlights the argumentative aspect and the sustained exchange of differing viewpoints.

an unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of a solution or agreement on a particular matter.

a protracted conflict

Suggests a more intense and potentially adversarial situation that has extended for a considerable duration.

a lingering disagreement

Implies a less confrontational but still unresolved difference of opinion that persists.

a standing bone of contention

Highlights the origin of the controversy. A "bone of contention" refers to a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement.

an unsettled question

Indicates that a particular question or matter remains open and without a definitive answer.

a running argument

Suggests that an argument or disagreement is constantly recurring or ongoing.

a live debate

Emphasizes the ongoing and active nature of the debate.

a contentious matter

Focuses on the fact that the matter is likely to cause an argument; it is controversial.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing controversy" to describe a situation or issue that is currently being debated and has not yet been resolved. For example, "There is "an ongoing controversy" surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in warfare".

What phrases are similar to "an ongoing controversy"?

Similar phrases include "a continuing dispute", "a persistent debate", or "an unresolved issue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an ongoing controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ongoing controversy" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a neutral and objective way to describe a debated issue. However, ensure that your writing remains balanced and avoids taking sides.

What is the difference between "an ongoing controversy" and "an emerging controversy"?

"An ongoing controversy" refers to a dispute that has been in progress for some time, while "an emerging controversy" describes one that is just beginning to develop. The former has a history, while the latter is relatively new.