be a contentious topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a contentious topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subjects that provoke disagreement or controversy among people. Example: "The debate over climate change continues to be a contentious topic in political discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The ownership of superhero characters continues to be a contentious topic for the comic book industry.

The New York Times

Clancy wrote genre fiction, which can be a contentious topic for criticism – and he wrote the military-espionage-techno-thriller sort, flourished with a lot of rightish flair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certain to be a contentious topic at the legislative session in March are the scores, if not hundreds, of laws on the Louisiana books that exempt New Orleans from a variety of state rules.

The New York Times

And it will continue to be a contentious topic for years to come, as Americans not only wait to see what the final Republican health care alternative looks like, but also to understand when and how it will impact their lives.

Forbes

Sex work can be a contentious topic.

Vice

Charter schools can be a contentious topic.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Food labelling is a contentious topic that has been going through the mincer for decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

The question of how it will define women's rights is a contentious topic.

The New York Times

Genetically modified food is a contentious topic in Africa right now.

The New York Times

The extent of prehistoric human impact on the environment is a contentious topic in various palaeo-environmental sciences.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Federal government management of the land surrounding Blanding was a contentious topic long before the Bears Ears designation.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a contentious topic" when you want to emphasize that a subject is likely to cause disagreement or argument. This phrase is suitable for describing ongoing debates in politics, science, or social issues.

Common error

While "be a contentious topic" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "controversial issue" or "matter of dispute" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a contentious topic" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's characteristic of being prone to disagreement or argument. The noun "topic" receives the adjective "contentious" via the linking verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a contentious topic" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to describe subjects prone to disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI shows that it's commonly found in News & Media and Science. While useful, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider related phrases like "be a controversial issue" or "be subject to debate" to maintain variety in writing. Recognizing its function and communicative purpose allows for more effective and nuanced communication. As stated by Ludwig AI, the expression is usable in written English and can be used when discussing subjects that provoke disagreement or controversy among people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a controversial issue

Focuses on the issue causing debate, rather than the topic of debate itself. It emphasizes the element of controversy.

be a matter of dispute

Highlights the disagreement and conflict surrounding the topic. It emphasizes the disputed nature of the topic.

be subject to debate

Emphasizes the ongoing discussion and differing opinions about the topic. Highlights active deliberation.

be open to question

Suggests the topic is not settled and remains uncertain. It implies doubt and the need for further investigation.

be a point of contention

Highlights a specific aspect causing disagreement within a larger issue. Indicates a particular focus of conflict.

be a source of disagreement

Focuses on the topic as the origin of differing opinions. Emphasizes the divisive nature of the topic.

be a bone of contention

Uses a more figurative expression to describe a long-standing and significant disagreement.

be a divisive subject

Emphasizes the topic's power to create division among people. Highlights the polarizing nature of the subject.

stir up controversy

Focuses on the action of creating controversy around the topic, more active.

be under scrutiny

Highlights that the topic is being closely and critically examined, often due to controversy.

FAQs

What does "be a contentious topic" mean?

The phrase "be a contentious topic" means that a subject is likely to cause disagreement or argument. It indicates that there are differing opinions and strong feelings associated with the issue.

How can I use "be a contentious topic" in a sentence?

You can use "be a contentious topic" to describe subjects that cause debate, such as "Climate change continues to "be a contentious topic" in political discussions".

What are some alternatives to "be a contentious topic"?

Some alternatives include "be a controversial issue", "be a matter of dispute", or "be subject to debate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be a contentious topic" in formal writing?

Yes, "be a contentious topic" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing subjects in news, academic papers, or professional reports. However, choose the most precise alternative based on the context to have more impact.