contentious exchange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contentious exchange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or interaction that is marked by disagreement or conflict between parties. Example: "The meeting turned into a contentious exchange, with both sides passionately defending their viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

While we were speaking, Barigye had a short, contentious exchange with a Shabaab caller.

The New Yorker

Concerning this contentious exchange, Rockefeller commented to me, "I chose to do it publicly, not privately, and I got smacked back.

The New Yorker

"The people who are on Social Security today, they need to understand something," Mr. Perry said at the outset of a contentious exchange at the debate.

The New York Times

Days after this contentious exchange, Ms. Segarra said in the lawsuit, Mr. Silva and Mr. Koh pressed her to excise her negative findings on Goldman from her examination.

The New York Times

IN recent months the setting of ground rules has resulted in a contentious exchange of letters between Mr. Randi and Natalia's lawyer, Eliza Grinberg.

The New York Times

A contentious exchange with a reporter over a book by Woods's former coach, Hank Haney, ended with a steely, five-second glare from Woods, the 14-time major champion, before he resumed answering questions.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The chancellor may well have calculated correctly that Germans do not want to get involved in contentious exchanges over the perplexing issues their country faces.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said the recent contentious exchanges over Social Security between the party's leading candidates, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, had not advanced the debate.

The New York Times

The crackdown was the subject of a lawsuit by civil libertarians and advocates for the homeless, and the unusual attention the case has drawn helped lead to a series of contentious exchanges in court.

The New York Times

The decision by the school's 23-member board of trustees came after more than a week of contentious exchanges between school officials and parents who have fought to keep the program from closing as early as next summer.

The New York Times

Questions about that problem, in fact, led to contentious exchanges yesterday between members of the 9/11 commission and the former leaders of the city's police, fire and emergency management departments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contentious exchange" to describe situations where disagreements are prominent and potentially lead to conflict. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious exchange" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "argument" or "disagreement" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious exchange" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "contentious" modifies the noun "exchange". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples in Ludwig demonstrate how it acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing the nature of an interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious exchange" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe interactions marked by disagreement and conflict. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed in news and media to objectively characterize debates, discussions, or confrontations. While appropriate for formal and neutral settings, it should be used sparingly in informal contexts where simpler terms might suffice. The phrase conveys a sense of tension and opposition, making it a valuable tool for accurately portraying complex and potentially volatile interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated argument

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the disagreement.

bitter dispute

Highlights the negative and resentful feelings involved.

acrimonious debate

Focuses on the sharpness and hostility of the discussion.

fierce disagreement

Stresses the strength and intensity of the opposing views.

hostile confrontation

Points to an aggressive and unfriendly encounter.

sharp clash

Indicates a sudden and intense conflict.

bitter quarrel

Suggests a personal and emotional dispute.

angry altercation

Highlights the presence of anger and heated words.

intense conflict

Focuses on the high degree of tension and opposition.

vigorous debate

Emphasizes the energy and passion involved in the discussion.

FAQs

What does "contentious exchange" mean?

A "contentious exchange" refers to a discussion or interaction characterized by strong disagreement, argument, or conflict. It implies a level of tension and opposition between the parties involved.

How to use "contentious exchange" in a sentence?

You can use "contentious exchange" to describe a debate, meeting, or any interaction where opposing viewpoints clash. For example: "The committee meeting devolved into a "contentious exchange" over budget allocations."

What are some alternatives to "contentious exchange"?

Alternatives to "contentious exchange" include "heated argument", "bitter dispute", or "acrimonious debate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contentious exchange" formal or informal language?

"Contentious exchange" is generally considered formal or neutral language, suitable for news reports, academic papers, or professional communications. It's less common in casual conversation.