be disputed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be disputed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is subject to disagreement or contention. Example: "The validity of the research findings may be disputed by other experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guy's fame can't be disputed.

The New York Times

Tyndall's methodology can be disputed.

The New Yorker

They can hardly be disputed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This cannot be disputed.

The Guardian - Opinion

This answer can, of course, be disputed.

The New York Times

The findings are bound to be disputed.

The New York Times - Science

be disputed by the right or the left.

University of California, Berkeley

If this is his objective, his rationale cannot be disputed.

The Economist

Ownership of off-shore reserves may be disputed.

The Economist

The breakdown of parliamentary seats will be disputed.

The New York Times

The facts can't be disputed: 8 attempts, 39 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be disputed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being challenged or argued against. Specify the subject of the dispute to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be disputed" for minor disagreements. Reserve it for situations where there is a significant challenge or formal contention, not just a simple difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be disputed" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject is being challenged, questioned, or argued against. It highlights that the subject is not performing the action, but rather is the recipient of the action of disputing. Ludwig shows this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be disputed" is a passive verb phrase used to indicate that a claim or fact is being challenged or argued against. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While the phrase is versatile, be mindful of the level of formality and use it judiciously to convey appropriate meaning. Consider alternatives like "be challenged" or "be questioned" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be contested

Similar to "be disputed", but often implies a more formal or legal challenge.

be challenged

Replaces "disputed" with "challenged", suggesting a direct confrontation or questioning of validity.

be questioned

Replaces "disputed" with "questioned", indicating doubt or inquiry about the validity of something.

be debated

Indicates that something is subject to formal discussion and argument.

be controverted

A more formal synonym for "be disputed", suggesting active opposition or denial.

be disagreed

Substitutes "disputed" with "disagreed", suggesting a difference of opinion rather than a formal challenge.

be doubted

Indicates uncertainty or lack of conviction regarding something.

be protested

Replaces "disputed" with "protested", implying a stronger form of objection or disapproval.

be refuted

Implies that something has been proven false or incorrect through argument or evidence.

be gainsaid

A less common synonym for "be disputed", meaning to deny or contradict.

FAQs

How to use "be disputed" in a sentence?

Use "be disputed" to indicate that a fact, claim, or idea is being challenged or argued against. For example, "The accuracy of the data may "be disputed" by experts".

What can I say instead of "be disputed"?

You can use alternatives like "be challenged", "be questioned", or "be contested" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be disputed" or "is disputed"?

"Be disputed" is typically used in modal constructions (e.g., "may be disputed", "can be disputed"), while "is disputed" indicates a present state of being challenged. Both are correct in different contexts.

What's the difference between "be disputed" and "be debated"?

"Be disputed" suggests a challenge to the validity or accuracy of something, while "be debated" implies a formal discussion or argument with differing viewpoints.