contentious circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contentious circumstances" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe situations or events that are characterized by strong disagreement or argument. For example, "The negotiations between the two parties were taking place in contentious circumstances, as neither side was willing to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Torres did depart prematurely but in contentious circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

For both, the reticence seemed a tacit acknowledgment of the bizarre and contentious circumstances that led to Real Madrid's victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Rolando Maran's side had lost just twice all season at home – against Juventus and Milan – and the former result arrived in highly contentious circumstances.

The Guardian - Sport

The rally, one of the largest protests in recent months, was timed to coincide with the anniversary of a riot in Bolotnaya Square last year that was followed by mass arrests and prosecutions under contentious circumstances.

The New York Times

For him, of course, another Wembley defeat in contentious circumstances was the worst possible follow-up to the 7-1 loss and the wave of truth-telling around the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Sallie Chapman and Yelena Denyakina embraced, cried and laughed as they remembered their eldest sons, William and Kirill, who were shot dead in contentious circumstances by Stephen Rankin in the city of Portsmouth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Where cities evolve in contentious political circumstances and make the transition from a colonial to a post-colonial state, aspects of the urban landscape such as public monuments, street nomenclature, buildings, city plans and urban design initiatives take on particular significance.

Journal of Historical Geography

In normal circumstances, when non-contentious bills are being considered, these informal discussions work relatively well.

The Economist

A picture gradually emerges of a cat-loving, much-married leftie who could be contentious or kind according to circumstance.

The Guardian

Their bond is forged in iron, and their different circumstances do little to impact the vibrant, often contentious dynamic between them.

HuffPost

Under normal circumstances, Bali would be the beginning of a long, contentious process; Kyoto, negotiated in 1997, did not take effect for seven years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contentious circumstances" to add nuance when describing events marked by strong disagreement, suggesting the circumstances themselves contribute to the conflict, not just the event itself.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious circumstances" as a generic intensifier for negative situations; reserve it for scenarios where disagreement or dispute is a central element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious circumstances" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically acts as an adverbial modifier, providing context regarding the conditions under which an event occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing disputed situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious circumstances" correctly describes a situation marked by significant disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and common usage across various reliable sources. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the presence of conflict affecting a particular situation. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "disputed situation" or "difficult conditions" for nuanced expression, but reserve "contentious circumstances" for situations where discord is central. Avoid overuse, as the phrase is most impactful when used to specifically underscore disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputed situation

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the situation itself, rather than the circumstances.

controversial setting

Emphasizes the controversy associated with the backdrop or environment of an event.

heated environment

Highlights the intensity of emotions and arguments present.

difficult conditions

Shifts the focus to the challenges and hardships arising from the circumstances.

challenging situation

Underlines the problematic nature of the circumstances.

sensitive environment

Highlights the delicate or easily disrupted nature of the environment, where disputes are likely to arise.

polemical backdrop

More formal, emphasizing the divisive nature of the context.

disagreement-filled setting

Directly states the presence of disagreement in the environment.

conflict-laden situation

Highlights the presence of conflict within the situation.

fractious environment

Focuses on the tendency for the environment to be easily divided and quarrelsome.

FAQs

How can I use "contentious circumstances" in a sentence?

Use "contentious circumstances" to describe a situation where disagreements and disputes are significant factors. For example, "The contract negotiations occurred under "contentious circumstances" due to unresolved issues from previous agreements."

What are some alternatives to "contentious circumstances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "disputed situation", "controversial setting", or "difficult conditions" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "contentious circumstances"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the conditions surrounding an event or situation are marked by strong disagreement, heated debate, or active dispute. This implies more than just difficulty; it suggests an environment of conflict.

What is the difference between "contentious circumstances" and "difficult circumstances"?

"Difficult circumstances" refers to challenging or problematic conditions in general. "Contentious circumstances", on the other hand, specifically highlights conditions involving significant disagreement or dispute. It's not merely hard, it's actively contested.