as a divisive issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a divisive issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that causes disagreement or conflict among people or groups. Example: "The debate over climate change is often viewed as a divisive issue in political discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Financial conflicts of interest no longer figure as a divisive issue.

The New York Times - Science

No one disputes that more change is in the offing, but the scope of that evolution has emerged as a divisive issue.

The New York Times - Sports

He could be highly protective of Christian teachings, as he was in 2007 when he wrote about Mitt Romney's religion as a divisive issue in the election.

The New York Times

For five years, governor Nikki Haley dismissed calls to remove the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina statehouse lawn as a divisive issue far from her agenda.

The Guardian

There was mention of New York's controversial stop-and-frisk policing in the speech – something that had served as a divisive issue between he and Lhota on the campaign.

The Guardian

It also means that he could be faced with a decision in the middle of a presidential election in which building a missile defense has emerged as a divisive issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Polls show voters in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District see healthcare as a "high priority, but a divisive issue" as one local media report noted.

Forbes

For all the zealotry on display, "12th & Delaware" is about as far from a polemical screaming match as a movie about such a divisive issue could be.

The New York Times

But to portray Roe as the statesmanlike "settlement" of a divisive issue, a jurisprudential Peace of Westphalia that is worth preserving, is nothing less than Orwellian.

Cornell University

A military official told the Guardian on Monday that the Israeli delegation was still pushing for action on the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip, a divisive issue as Hamas and Islamic Jihad have repeatedly ruled out giving up their weapons.

The Guardian

It's possible that some of the recent TNS and ICM/Guardian "don't knows" are people who know perfectly well how they will vote, but would rather avoid taking sides on such a divisive issue as independence when asked their views by someone they have never met.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a neutral tone when presenting an issue "as a divisive issue", and avoid language that may exacerbate existing disagreements.

Common error

Avoid portraying every disagreement "as a divisive issue". Reserve this phrase for topics with significant and widespread disagreement, not minor or personal disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a divisive issue" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a subject or topic. It often follows a verb such as "emerged", "seen", or "regarded", indicating that the subject is viewed as causing disagreement or polarization. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a divisive issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe topics that generate significant disagreement and polarization. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its relevance in objective discussions. While versatile, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for topics with widespread disagreement and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "a contentious matter" or "a polarizing topic" can offer nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contentious matter

Focuses on the disputable nature of the issue.

a polarizing topic

Emphasizes the division and separation caused by the issue.

a subject of discord

Highlights the lack of harmony and agreement.

a point of contention

Draws attention to the specific element causing disagreement.

a bone of contention

Uses an idiom to describe something that causes constant argument.

a controversial subject

Highlights the debate and differing opinions surrounding the issue.

a source of conflict

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement and clashes.

a matter of debate

Focuses on the discussion and arguments related to the topic.

an area of disagreement

Highlights the specific points where consensus is lacking.

a sensitive issue

Suggests the topic requires careful handling due to potential for offense or disagreement.

FAQs

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

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

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

Alternatives include "a contentious matter", "a polarizing topic", or "a source of conflict". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe a topic "as a divisive issue"?

No, it's important to consider the context and the actual level of disagreement. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and misrepresent the situation.

What makes an issue "as a divisive issue"?

A "divisive issue" typically involves deeply held beliefs, conflicting values, and significant disagreement among different groups or segments of society.