contentious distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contentious distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a difference or separation between two ideas, concepts, or groups that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Example: "The debate over climate change often hinges on the contentious distinction between natural variability and human impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That contentious distinction between the organization and the movement is part of the debate about what Black Lives Matter is and where it will go next.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most contentious issue concerns the distinction between the two types of audiovisual media services (linear and non-linear), which are distinguished from each other by the degree of user control.

Computer Law & Security Review

PEA has been criticized for presenting a highly selective and biased view of contentious politics, for its rigid distinction between challengers and the establishment, and for failing to capture the discursive side of claims-making (Koopmans & Statham, 1999a, b).

Comparative Migration Studies

Preparing to return to Villa Park, having appeared there for his new club in their contentious defeat in April, he offered a telling distinction between being thoroughly professional for Villa and a fanatic in the first team at Birmingham.

Independent

But in the absence of an accepted basis for making the distinction, what counts as "natural" for humanity remains a contentious normative judgment.

SEP

Due to the sensitive and contentious nature of discussions involving gender, zaat and related social distinctions, a key element of all knowledge transfer activities will be to encourage open and thoughtful engagement with realities that are typically uncomfortable to address.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Due to the sensitive and contentious nature of discussions involving gender, caste and related social distinctions, a key element of engagement with various stakeholders will be to encourage open and thoughtful engagement with realities that are typically uncomfortable to address.

BMC Health Services Research

GM of the germ line for either therapeutic or enhancement purposes and GM of somatic cells for enhancement purposes have not yet been carried out in humans.[59] Of the four classes of interventions delineated by somatic-cell/germ-line and therapy/enhancement distinctions, only germ-line GM for enhancement purposes remains particularly contentious among bioethicists (Allhoff 2005).

SEP

Nonetheless, personal one-to-one engagement with key stakeholders suggests that the sensitive and contentious nature of the topic mean that discussions involving gender, caste and related social distinctions will remain uncomfortable.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Mr. Mitterrand insisted on a distinction between an ideal, irreproachable Republic and a traitorous wartime "French state," and the semantics remain contentious.

The New York Times

Whether any such meaning claims can be accommodated has been a contentious question since Quine (1953), but it is a question we can put aside for now (see The Analytic/Synthetic Distinction).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contentious distinction" when you want to emphasize that a particular difference or separation is not only present but also the subject of ongoing debate or disagreement. This highlights the importance of understanding the different perspectives involved.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious distinction" unnecessarily, especially in contexts where the disagreement is minor or nonexistent. Overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased. Ensure the distinction truly warrants the 'contentious' label.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious distinction" functions as a noun phrase, where 'contentious' modifies 'distinction'. It typically serves to highlight a difference or separation that is subject to debate or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious distinction" is used to describe a difference or separation that is the subject of ongoing debate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in both news media and scientific contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the distinction genuinely warrants the 'contentious' label, as overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "disputed difference" or "controversial differentiation" can be used to achieve similar effects while avoiding repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputed difference

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the difference.

controversial differentiation

Highlights the debate related to the act of differentiating.

arguable distinction

Emphasizes that the distinction is open to argument or debate.

debatable division

Stresses the point that the division is subject to debate.

questionable separation

Indicates doubt or uncertainty about the validity of the separation.

contested boundary

Emphasizes the disputed nature of the dividing line or limit.

sensitive demarcation

Highlights the delicate or sensitive nature of the separation.

polarizing contrast

Focuses on how the contrast creates opposing viewpoints.

thorny delineation

Indicates that the delineation is complex and problematic.

divisive classification

Highlights how the classification causes division or disagreement.

FAQs

How can "contentious distinction" be used in a sentence?

You can use "contentious distinction" to describe a difference that is the subject of heated debate. For example: "The debate over climate change often hinges on the "contentious distinction" between natural variability and human impact."

What are some alternatives to "contentious distinction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "disputed difference", "controversial differentiation", or "arguable distinction".

When is it appropriate to use "contentious distinction"?

It's appropriate when you're discussing a difference that is not only present but also actively debated or disputed. It emphasizes that the distinction is a source of disagreement.

What makes a distinction "contentious"?

A distinction is considered "contentious" when there are significant disagreements or opposing viewpoints regarding its validity, implications, or the criteria used to establish it. This often occurs in politically charged or ethically complex debates.