central point of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central point of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main issue or disagreement in a discussion or debate. Example: "The central point of contention in the negotiations was the proposed budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The central point of contention is how to split hockey-related revenue.

The New York Times - Sports

A central point of contention is expected to be which of the recordings are played.

The New York Times

A central point of contention in the case was what constituted valid consent.

The New York Times

The central point of contention between Mr. Ferrer and Mr. Green is over where the rebuilding should occur.

The New York Times

But no matter how this change is characterized, a central point of contention remains: How, and by whom, should this new kind of upgradeable car be managed?

The New York Times

The Hariri investigation has been a central point of contention for Syria — which was implicated in the initial reports — and its allies in the Lebanese opposition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The challenge to the Wintel duopoly is a replay of an earlier skirmish that became one of the central points of contention in the Microsoft antitrust trial last year.

The New York Times

One of the central points of contention in the final agreement came down to the issue of how long drug companies must keep their development of drugs a secret, until the US and Australia negotiated a compromise.

Vice

This key point of contention between Erdogan and the protestors became the central crux and cry of the protestors at Gezi Park, off Istanbul's Taksim Square.

Huffington Post

But it leaves largely untouched a key point of contention: the mayor's power to appoint a majority of the central education board, known as the Panel for Educational Policy, and remove them at his pleasure.

The New York Times

The key point of contention then is time.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central point of contention" to clearly identify the primary disagreement in a complex situation, particularly when multiple issues are involved. This helps focus the discussion and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "central point of contention" for minor disagreements. Opt for simpler terms like "issue" or "problem" when the conflict isn't substantial or multifaceted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central point of contention" functions as a noun phrase identifying the primary issue of disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, emphasizing its role in pinpointing the core conflict.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central point of contention" is a useful and grammatically correct way to identify the main disagreement or dispute in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "main bone of contention" or "key issue in dispute" exist, "central point of contention" offers a precise and neutral way to focus attention on the core conflict. Overusing the phrase in simple situations should be avoided; simpler terms may be more appropriate in those cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main bone of contention

Replaces "point" with "bone", emphasizing the core issue causing the dispute.

key issue in dispute

Substitutes "central point of contention" with a more direct description of a disagreement.

core disagreement

Simplifies the phrase to its essential meaning, highlighting the fundamental conflict.

primary area of conflict

Focuses on the 'conflict' aspect, indicating a main area where there is opposition.

main source of disagreement

Highlights the 'source' aspect, suggesting the origin of the conflict.

principal bone of contention

Emphasizes the importance of the "bone of contention" using "principal".

crux of the matter

Indicates the most important or decisive point at issue.

heart of the debate

Metaphorically refers to the central part of an argument or discussion.

chief source of friction

Highlights the 'friction' aspect, indicating a source of tension.

pivotal issue

Emphasizes the importance of the issue as a turning point.

FAQs

What does "central point of contention" mean?

The phrase "central point of contention" refers to the primary issue or disagreement that is the focus of a debate, dispute, or negotiation. It's the core problem that needs to be addressed.

How can I use "central point of contention" in a sentence?

You can use it to highlight the main disagreement in a situation. For example: "The "central point of contention" in the contract negotiations was the salary increase."

What can I say instead of "central point of contention"?

You can use alternatives like "main bone of contention", "key issue in dispute", or "core disagreement" depending on the context.

Is "central point of contention" the same as "point of discussion"?

No, "central point of contention" implies a disagreement or dispute, whereas "point of discussion" simply refers to a topic being discussed, without necessarily implying conflict.