be in dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in dispute" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that there is a disagreement or argument about something. Example: The ownership of the land was in dispute between the neighboring families, causing tension in the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This critical fact appears to be in dispute.

Harvard University

Few important facts appear to be in dispute.

The New York Times

The issue of Uber's right to terminate its drivers may not truly be in dispute.

Harvard University

Nearly every detail of the killings seems to be in dispute.

The New York Times

Credit for a comic-book character can often be in dispute, even today.

The New York Times - Books

However important his role, his allegiance to Al Qaeda does not appear to be in dispute.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

A. That is in dispute.

The New York Times

That, too, is in dispute.

The New York Times

The reasons are in dispute.

The New York Times

That number is in dispute.

The New York Times

The facts have never been in dispute.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in dispute", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being disputed. For example, "The facts of the case are in dispute" provides more clarity than simply saying "The case is in dispute".

Common error

Avoid using "be in dispute" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. Instead of "The matter, which has been the subject of intense scrutiny, is currently in dispute", consider "The matter is currently disputed"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in dispute" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular fact, claim, or issue is currently under contention or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it commonly modifying nouns such as 'facts', 'details', and 'claims'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be in dispute" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate disagreement or uncertainty about a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As evidenced by the examples in Ludwig, it appears frequently in news articles, academic texts, and other sources. While its register is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to the context to ensure clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures. Alternatives such as "be contested" or "be subject to debate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use the phrase "be in dispute" to communicate uncertainty or disagreement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a matter of contention

Implies that the issue is a significant source of disagreement or conflict.

be a point of disagreement

Directly states that there is a difference of opinion or argument about the issue.

be subject to debate

Highlights that the topic is open for argument and different viewpoints are expected.

be up for debate

Similar to 'be subject to debate' but slightly more informal.

be contested

Focuses on the action of challenging or arguing against something; slightly more formal.

be open to question

Suggests that the matter is not settled and can be doubted or challenged.

be challenged

Indicates that the accuracy or validity of something is being questioned.

be under discussion

Emphasizes the process of debating or considering a topic without necessarily implying strong disagreement.

be controversial

Indicates that the topic is likely to cause strong disagreement or provoke public disapproval.

be uncertain

Focuses on the lack of definitive knowledge or clarity regarding the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "be in dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "be in dispute" to indicate that something is being argued about or questioned. For example, "The details of the agreement "are in dispute"" or "Whether he was at the scene "is in dispute"".

What are some alternatives to "be in dispute"?

Alternatives to "be in dispute" include "be contested", "be subject to debate", or "be a matter of contention", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "be in dispute" and "be disputed"?

"Be in dispute" implies a state of ongoing disagreement or argument, while "be disputed" simply means that something is being questioned or challenged. "Be in dispute" often suggests a more prolonged or formal disagreement.

Which is correct, "is in dispute" or "are in dispute"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is in dispute" for singular subjects (e.g., "The fact is in dispute") and "are in dispute" for plural subjects (e.g., "The details are in dispute").