contentious issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"contentious issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe a difficult topic or subject that people disagree or debate about. For example, "Gun control is a contentious issue in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The contentious issue is: by how much?

The Economist

Syria is the more contentious issue.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most contentious issue.

The Guardian

Stirring is a contentious issue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another highly contentious issue was taxation.

The Guardian

Boardroom pay remains a contentious issue.

The Guardian

Wages have been another contentious issue.

The New York Times

The most contentious issue is civilian casualties.

The Guardian

Private elk ranches are a contentious issue.

The New York Times

And it's still a contentious issue.

The New Yorker

This is not a contentious issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "contentious issue". In sensitive situations, frame the issue neutrally to avoid escalating conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious issue" as a vague label. Always provide context about why the issue is contentious. Saying "Healthcare is a "contentious issue"" is less effective than "Healthcare reform is a "contentious issue" because of differing views on government involvement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contentious" modifies the noun "issue". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to identify a subject or matter that is subject to disagreement or dispute. Ludwig examples further illustrates its use across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a topic prone to disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this adjective-noun combination accurately conveys the presence of conflicting viewpoints. Its versatility is evident across diverse domains, prominently in News & Media, Scientific and Academic writing. To wield it effectively, specify why an issue is "contentious". Consider replacing it with synonyms such as "controversial topic" for emphasis. The term suits professional, neutral registers and its consistent use by reputable sources like The New York Times further solidifies its authoritative nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controversial topic

Highlights the polarizing nature of the topic and its tendency to evoke strong opinions.

divisive subject

Highlights the subject's capability to create separation or disagreement among people.

matter of contention

Formal way of saying something is being disputed

disputed subject

Emphasizes the disagreement or contesting of the subject matter.

bone of contention

Implies that the issue is a long-standing and persistent source of disagreement.

debatable point

Focuses on the aspect of being open to debate, rather than necessarily causing strong disagreement.

arguable matter

Focuses more on the fact that reasonable arguments can be made on both sides

thorny question

Suggests that the issue is complex and difficult to resolve.

problematic area

This suggests that the issue poses challenges and difficulties that need to be addressed.

sensitive matter

Indicates that the topic requires careful handling due to its potential to cause offense or upset.

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious issue" to describe a topic that people strongly disagree about. For example, "Climate change is a "contentious issue" in international politics".

What are some synonyms for "contentious issue"?

Alternatives include "controversial topic", "disputed subject", or "debatable point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contentious issue" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "contentious issue" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a topic that is subject to disagreement. However, using specific examples, as Ludwig advises, can make the argument even stronger.

What makes an issue "contentious"?

An issue becomes "contentious" when there are significant disagreements, strong opposing viewpoints, and often, emotional investment from different stakeholders. The high level of disagreement is what makes it different from just any "debatable issue".