as a contentious issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contentious issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change is often framed as a contentious issue, with strong opinions on both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Government support for developing new passenger aircraft first emerged as a contentious issue in 1988.

The Economist

The fate of the settler houses had emerged as a contentious issue partly because the Palestinian leadership did not consider them an efficient use of valuable land and wanted them destroyed.

The New York Times

As noted, human evolution emerged as a contentious issue among Canadian Muslim teachers.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Distinguishing between storm and tsunami boulders directly from their physical characteristics persists as a contentious issue (e.g. [11],[32] [34]–[34]).

Geoscience Letters

Finally, responses to the open-ended questions from former teachers showed not only that leadership is an important issue for teachers (Table 3), but also that it can be seen as a contentious issue, as it revealed some of the most emotive responses of the study, as shown in Table 5.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

WASHINGTON -- Gun control resurfaced Tuesday as a contentious issue in the race for Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, as Democratic Rep. Ron Barber sparred with Republican challenger Martha McSally over stricter gun laws in their first debate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, whether or not exercise can reverse, as well as prevent, immunosenescence is a contentious issue, particularly because most longitudinal exercise training studies do not report the same positive effects of exercise on immunity that have been widely reported in studies with a cross-sectional design.

Ageing Research Reviews

And in addition to being problematic to define, the matter and means of producing it is a contentious issue as well, with ecological rows raging over how we can use it more efficiently and generate it without wiping out the planet.

Vice

BEIJING — As China seeks a soft landing for its bubble-prone economy, senior economic officials said on Monday that they might encourage bank lending, while also hinting that the country's currency might not appreciate as rapidly as it has in recent years — a contentious issue in the United States presidential election this year.

The New York Times

Measurement of mortality as an indicator of care is also a contentious issue as there are marked variations in practice between countries including initiation or withholding of resuscitation at earlier gestational ages [ 29].

BMC Pediatrics

How much of the income has to be characterized as salary is already a contentious issue for small businesses and the IRS.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a contentious issue", provide balanced information and avoid taking sides, especially in formal writing. Instead, present different perspectives to foster a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "as a contentious issue" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "as a controversial matter" or "as a point of contention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contentious issue" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause. It serves to characterize a particular topic or matter as being likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a contentious issue" is a phrase used to describe a topic that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it is not as common as other similar phrases. It appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, writers should aim to provide balanced information and be aware of the potential for overuse. Alternative phrases such as "as a controversial matter" or "as a disputed subject" can also be considered to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a controversial matter

Replaces "issue" with a synonym, emphasizing the debate surrounding the topic.

as a disputed subject

Highlights the disagreement and lack of consensus.

as a point of contention

Focuses on the specific element causing disagreement.

as a divisive topic

Emphasizes the splitting effect the issue has on opinions.

as a bone of contention

An idiomatic expression highlighting the cause of disagreement.

as a source of conflict

Highlights the potential for disagreement and discord.

as a subject of debate

More formal and highlights the presence of structured arguments.

as a matter of argument

Focuses on the argumentative nature of the subject.

as a sensitive subject

Implies the issue is delicate and requires careful handling.

as a thorny question

Suggests the issue is complex and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

How can I use "as a contentious issue" in a sentence?

You can use "as a contentious issue" to describe a topic that causes disagreement. For example, "Gun control is often cited as a contentious issue in American politics".

What are some alternatives to "as a contentious issue"?

You can use alternatives like "as a controversial matter", "as a disputed subject", or "as a point of contention" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "as a contentious issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a contentious issue" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing topics that are likely to cause debate or disagreement. However, ensure your writing remains balanced and unbiased.

What is the difference between "as a contentious issue" and "as a sensitive issue"?

"As a contentious issue" implies active disagreement and debate, while "as a sensitive issue" suggests a topic that requires careful handling due to potential emotional or personal impact. The former focuses on conflict, while the latter focuses on tact.