contentious issues

USAGE SUMMARY

"contentious issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or topics that are widely disputed or argued about. For example: "The current president has had to deal with a number of contentious issues during his tenure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could you elaborate on the contentious issues?

The New York Times

Very contentious issues are being discussed.

The New York Times

But these are contentious issues.

The Guardian

There were more contentious issues.

The New York Times - Arts

Barenboim has never avoided politically contentious issues.

The Guardian - Music

The proposal, however, skirts more contentious issues.

The New York Times

Film makers today, however, have little stomach for contentious issues.

The Economist

But the commission is considering a variety of contentious issues.

The New York Times

Both are contentious issues among the country's Sunni Arabs.

The New York Times

After heated debate, the contentious issues were fudged.

The Economist

The chapter sometimes skates shallowly over contentious issues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and professional writing, "contentious issues" signals that a thorough and balanced analysis is necessary. Acknowledge different viewpoints and potential implications of each issue.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious issues" as a vague placeholder for specific disagreements. Instead, clearly identify the specific issues being debated to provide clarity and depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious issues" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contentious issues" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to topics characterized by significant disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatile nature allows it to fit into various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using this phrase, it's best practice to be specific about the nature of the disagreements and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "disputed matters" or "controversial topics" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious debates

This alternative is just a more explicit way to say that it's related to debates.

disputed matters

Emphasizes the aspect of being actively contested or argued over.

debatable subjects

Focuses on the characteristic of being open to discussion and differing opinions.

controversial topics

Highlights the potential for widespread disagreement and public attention.

thorny problems

Implies that the issues are difficult to resolve and may cause conflict.

sensitive subjects

Suggests the issues require careful handling due to their potential to offend or upset.

divisive questions

Indicates that the issues tend to create division and disagreement among people.

challenging debates

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the discussions surrounding the issues.

polemical arguments

Focuses on the aggressive or controversial nature of the arguments surrounding the issues.

arguable points

This alternative is focused more directly in the logical arguments

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious issues" to refer to topics that are subject to disagreement or debate. For example: "The negotiations stalled due to several "contentious issues"." or "The committee addressed the "contentious issues" surrounding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "contentious issues"?

Some alternatives to "contentious issues" include "disputed matters", "debatable subjects", or "controversial topics", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "contentious issues" or "contested issues"?

"Contentious issues" and "contested issues" are similar, but "contentious" emphasizes disagreement and argument, while "contested" suggests a challenge or dispute over something. Choose the term that best reflects the nature of the issues you're describing.

What makes an issue "contentious"?

An issue becomes "contentious" when there is significant disagreement or strong opposing viewpoints surrounding it. These issues often involve moral, ethical, or political dimensions, leading to heated debates and difficulty in reaching a consensus.