area of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "area of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or issue that is disputed or causes disagreement among parties. Example: "The proposed policy changes have become an area of contention among the stakeholders involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is always a slight area of contention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another area of contention concerns the business savvy of Indians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not the only area of contention sparked by the rapid spread of the virus.

The Guardian

The biggest area of contention is the design of the well.

The Guardian - Business

The local impact of gaming operations is a fourth area of contention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another area of contention is whether municipal utilities can be compelled to join commercial suppliers in signing long-term contracts.

The New York Times

The Donetsk airport has remained a main area of contention despite the ceasefire that has been violated by both sides.

The Guardian

The doab had been an area of contention long before the foundation of either the Bahmanī kingdom or Vijayanagar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A BMA spokesperson said: "It is simply not true that there remains only one area of contention.

Independent

A major area of contention was Mr. Karzai's refusal to take on endemic corruption in his government.

The New York Times

Later in the week, we will look at taxes on corporate profits, a particular area of contention.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "area of contention" to clearly identify subjects that generate significant disagreement or debate in formal writing. Ensure the context clarifies which parties are in disagreement and why.

Common error

Avoid using "area of contention" when describing minor disagreements or simple misunderstandings. This phrase implies a significant and sustained conflict; using it for trivial matters dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "area of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific subject or issue that is the source of disagreement or dispute. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "area of contention" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies a subject of significant disagreement. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "point of disagreement" and "bone of contention" exist, "area of contention" maintains a formal tone suitable for professional contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the scope and intensity of the disagreement are accurately reflected, and consider clarifying which parties are in conflict and why.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of disagreement

Replaces "area" with "point" and "contention" with "disagreement", focusing on the specific issue causing conflict.

bone of contention

Uses a metaphorical expression emphasizing a persistent and significant source of conflict.

matter of dispute

Substitutes "area" with "matter" and "contention" with "dispute", highlighting the debatable nature of the issue.

subject of debate

Focuses on the argumentative nature of the issue, suggesting a formal discussion or deliberation.

point of conflict

Emphasizes the adversarial aspect of the issue, suggesting opposing viewpoints or interests.

issue in question

Highlights the specific topic under consideration, often implying uncertainty or disagreement.

matter at issue

Similar to "issue in question", emphasizing the importance and relevance of the topic.

source of friction

Indicates a cause of tension or disagreement, often suggesting ongoing or recurring conflict.

arena of conflict

Presents the issue as a battleground, emphasizing the competition and opposing forces involved.

disputed topic

Directly states that the topic is contested or challenged, without specifying the nature of the conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "area of contention" in a sentence?

The phrase "area of contention" typically refers to a subject about which there is strong disagreement. For instance, "The proposed budget cuts have become a major "area of contention" between the parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "area of contention"?

You can use alternatives such as "point of disagreement", "bone of contention", or "matter of dispute" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "area of contention" formal or informal?

"Area of contention" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for use in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. It's appropriate for serious discussions and written reports.

What's the difference between "area of contention" and "area of concern"?

"Area of contention" implies active disagreement or dispute, while "area of concern" suggests something is worrying or problematic but not necessarily disputed. "Contention" involves opposing viewpoints, while "concern" focuses on potential risks or negative outcomes.