contentious claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contentious claim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or assertion that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Example: "The scientist's research led to a contentious claim about the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This is a contentious claim.

The New York Times - Books

An earlier version said the most contentious claim in the Proceso account was that federal forces participated in the massacre.

The Guardian

Mao had bequeathed a vast new "shovel-ready" construction site for Deng's own "'great enterprise' of reform and opening up".It is a contentious claim.

The Economist

That has been amended to say the most contentious claim was that federal forces participated in the attack on the students.

The Guardian

The most contentious claim in the story was that federal forces participated in the attack – an allegation which has not been taken up by survivors of the attack.

The Guardian

Perhaps the most contentious claim was Manchester United have somehow been unlucky to end up with three draws and three points from their past three home games.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The method, known as hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," and the disposal of the return water has elicited contentious claims about both the science and economics of gas extraction.

Cornell University

There's lots of good stuff in it, as well as some contentious claims, and I'll probably mention it a couple more times this week.

The New Yorker

Peter Skyte Public member, Network Rail I leave it to other readers better equipped than I am to address some of the hugely contentious claims made by Ian Birrell.

The Guardian

Rival politicians frequently accused him of exploiting public fears about immigration, as he made contentious claims about people feeling uncomfortable living next door to Romanians and awkward when others spoke foreign languages on the train.

The Guardian

Radio 4's Today raised eyebrows when, days before the climategate emails leaked, it interviewed an Australian climate change denier, geologist Ian Plimer, giving him what one critical insider called "the easiest of rides" for a string of highly contentious claims.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "contentious claim", ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify why the claim is considered contentious. This might involve outlining opposing viewpoints or highlighting the evidence that challenges the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious claim" when the disagreement is minor or unsubstantiated. Use more neutral language if the issue is simply a matter of differing opinions rather than a significant dispute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious claim" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contentious" modifies the noun "claim". It identifies a statement or assertion that is subject to disagreement or dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contentious claim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a statement or assertion prone to disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. It's commonly found in news, academic writing, and professional contexts. Alternatives include "disputable assertion" and "controversial statement". When using this phrase, providing context and avoiding overstatement are key to effective communication. The phrase is widely distributed across News & Media and Scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputable assertion

Replaces "contentious" with a more neutral synonym, maintaining the core meaning.

debatable point

Focuses on the element of debate and discussion surrounding the claim.

controversial statement

Emphasizes the potential for controversy arising from the statement.

arguable proposition

Highlights the aspect that the claim can be argued for or against.

disputed contention

Uses synonyms for both "contentious" and "claim", slightly altering the tone.

questionable assertion

Suggests that the claim is open to doubt or skepticism.

unsettled issue

Shifts the focus to the lack of resolution surrounding the claim.

matter of debate

Highlights that there's a debate related to the claim and implies that it is not easily solved.

contested statement

Focuses on active opposition or disagreement with the statement.

polemical argument

Suggests that the claim is aggressive and provokes opposition.

FAQs

What does "contentious claim" mean?

A "contentious claim" refers to a statement or assertion that is likely to cause disagreement, argument, or controversy.

What are some alternatives to "contentious claim"?

You can use alternatives like "disputable assertion", "debatable point", or "controversial statement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Example: "The scientist's research led to a "contentious claim" about the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

Is "contentious claim" formal or informal?

The phrase "contentious claim" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news, academic writing, and professional discussions.