bitter controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heated or intense disagreement or dispute, often involving strong emotions or opinions. Example: "The decision to build the new highway sparked a bitter controversy among local residents and environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sociobiology" sparked a bitter controversy.

The New Yorker

The question inspires bitter controversy.

The New Yorker

In Israel, however, it provoked bitter controversy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the achievement was tarnished by bitter controversy.

The New York Times

As such, it can expect to raise bitter controversy.

The Guardian

Will they still be enmeshed in bitter controversy over a highly contested war?

The Economist

Unfortunately, that match also set the tone for a year of bitter controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

These repercussions of Napoleon's new foreign policy stirred up bitter controversy in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nearly 10 years on, that last injunction is still the source of bitter controversy.

The Guardian

Hooke complained that he was not given sufficient credit for the law and became involved in bitter controversy with Newton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the bitter controversy that followed Fischer's book, historians outside Germany were readier to accept his thesis than those within.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a sensitive topic, consider using "bitter controversy" to accurately convey the intensity of feelings involved without necessarily taking sides.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter controversy" to describe every disagreement. Reserve it for situations where the conflict is truly intense and has a significant emotional impact. Overuse can dilute its meaning and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter controversy" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "controversy". As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly used to describe contentious issues, indicating a strong and often negative dispute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter controversy" is a frequently used phrase to describe conflicts characterized by intense disagreement and strong negative emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to reserve it for situations where the conflict is genuinely intense and emotionally charged, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "heated dispute" or "fierce debate" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated dispute

This alternative emphasizes the emotional intensity of the disagreement.

fierce debate

This alternative highlights the active and combative nature of the discussion.

acrimonious disagreement

This alternative underscores the sharp and hostile nature of the difference of opinion.

intense conflict

This alternative focuses on the clashing of opposing forces or ideas.

contentious issue

This alternative points to a topic that is likely to cause disagreement.

rancorous dispute

This alternative emphasizes the deep-seated bitterness associated with the disagreement.

bitter quarrel

This alternative suggests a personal and often emotional disagreement.

divisive issue

This alternative highlights the capacity of the issue to split people into opposing groups.

polarized debate

This alternative focuses on the division of opinions into opposing extremes.

heated argument

This alternative emphasizes the emotional and potentially angry nature of the exchange.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter controversy" to describe situations where there's a strong, often hostile disagreement. For example: "The new policy sparked a "bitter controversy" among the employees".

What are some synonyms for "bitter controversy"?

Alternatives to "bitter controversy" include "heated dispute", "fierce debate", or "acrimonious disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bitter controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "bitter controversy" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a deeply contentious issue. However, ensure that its use is justified by the intensity of the disagreement.

What distinguishes a "bitter controversy" from a regular debate?

A "bitter controversy" implies a level of animosity and strong negative emotions that are not necessarily present in a regular debate. It suggests a deeper, more personal conflict.