been a highly controversial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been a highly controversial" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing a topic, event, or statement that has caused significant disagreement or debate among people. Example: The decision to ban the use of plastic bags has been a highly controversial issue, with some arguing it is necessary for the environment while others argue it will harm businesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Insurance coverage for family planning services has been a highly controversial element of the US health care reform debate.

Contraception

In the past, ratio scales have been a highly controversial issue between physicists and psychologists as regards the need for an empirical addition operation in order to attain them.

Measurement

But Adams has always been a highly controversial figure south of the border, and there is a sense that his past, whatever version of it you happen to believe, is a deal-breaker for many Irish voters who might otherwise be aligned with his party's policies.

The New Yorker

In Europe, genetically modified (GM) organisms in food and agriculture production have been a highly controversial issue since their commercial introduction in the mid 1990s [1, 2].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Facial profiling has always been a highly controversial topic.

Huffington Post

Indeed, crossover recognition by topoisomerases II has been a highly controversial subject because of the electrostatic repulsion between the DNA segments.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Executive compensation is a highly controversial topic.

Stanford University

The dome is a highly controversial project.

The New York Times - Travel

"Ten or 12 years ago it was a highly controversial operation.

The Guardian

Budget revision, however, is a highly controversial issue.

Harvard Business Review

This is a highly controversial position, but it really shouldn't be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "been a highly controversial", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the controversy. Providing specific examples or differing viewpoints can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "been a highly controversial" when the issue only has minor disagreements. Reserve it for topics with significant and widespread debate to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been a highly controversial" functions as a subject complement, describing a noun or pronoun by ascribing a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI says, it's used when describing a topic, event, or statement that has caused significant disagreement or debate among people.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been a highly controversial" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered phrase used to describe subjects marked by significant disagreement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not the most frequent expression, it is commonly found in news, scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the controversy to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives like "been a very debatable" or "provoked considerable disagreement" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been a very debatable

Replaces "highly controversial" with "very debatable", lessening the intensity of disagreement.

been a divisive issue

Highlights the polarizing nature of the subject, emphasizing its tendency to cause division.

been a contentious matter

Substitutes "controversial" with "contentious", maintaining a similar level of formality.

been a widely disputed

Uses the word "disputed" which has a slightly different connotation, focusing on the act of challenging the facts or validity.

been subject to much dispute

Replaces the adjective with a verb phrase emphasizing the act of disputing.

generated considerable controversy

Focuses on the creation of controversy by the subject in question.

provoked considerable disagreement

Shifts the focus to the action of causing disagreement rather than the state of being controversial.

stirred up significant debate

Emphasizes the action of initiating a debate through the issue.

been at the center of many arguments

Rephrases the idea to highlight the presence of arguments and disagreements.

been a hot-button topic

Uses a more informal and contemporary expression to indicate a sensitive issue.

FAQs

How can I use "been a highly controversial" in a sentence?

You can use "been a highly controversial" to describe a topic or issue that has caused significant disagreement or debate. For example, "The new policy has been a highly controversial decision within the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "been a highly controversial"?

Alternatives include "been a very debatable", "provoked considerable disagreement", or "been a contentious matter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "been a highly controversial" in formal writing?

Yes, "been a highly controversial" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it is the most appropriate choice.

What makes something "been a highly controversial" rather than just "controversial"?

The addition of "highly" emphasizes the significant degree of disagreement or debate surrounding the issue. It suggests a more intense and widespread controversy than simply calling something "controversial".