contentious matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"contentious matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a topic or issue that is controversial or causes disagreement among people. Example: The decision to raise taxes was a contentious matter among the political parties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Religion is a more contentious matter.

The New Yorker

Policing is a politically contentious matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But pension reform has been an explosively contentious matter.

The New York Times

Basically, he replaced the contentious issue of settlements with an even more contentious matter: boundaries.

The New York Times

"In the end, I think the system was able to cope with a contentious matter.

The New York Times - Tech

But then we come, of course, to the contentious matter of the reporting of Williams's suicide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Yet even with such contentious subject matter, the show only rarely feels risky.

The New York Times

However, our correspondent said victims and survivors must have confidence the chair is "divorced from the contentious subject matter of the inquiry and key people who may figure in it".

BBC

While Traister notes the many improvements resulting from 2008, there is still much to be done, and Big Girls Don't Cry advances that vital work with precisely the kind of incisive, thoughtful, and personal approach required by such a complicated and contentious subject matter.

Huffington Post

He insists on talking about democracy, free speech and such contentious matters.

The Economist

The proposal has emerged as one of the most contentious matters stemming from Dodd-Frank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contentious matter", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific issue or topic causing disagreement to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague references; specify the exact subject of contention to maintain clarity and impact. Instead of saying "The matter is contentious", say "The proposed budget cuts are a contentious matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious matter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "contentious" modifies the noun "matter". It describes a subject, issue, or topic that causes disagreement, argument, or debate. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious matter" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a topic that is subject to disagreement or debate. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it's most frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the issue at hand to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "controversial topic" or "debatable issue" depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig confirms the widespread and correct usage of this phrase, making it a reliable choice for expressing disagreement in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debatable issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on the characteristic of being open to debate.

controversial topic

Substitutes "matter" with "topic", highlighting the controversial nature of the subject.

sensitive issue

Highlights the potential for causing offense or disagreement.

disputed subject

Uses "subject" instead of "matter", emphasizing the disagreement surrounding it.

divisive topic

Emphasizes the splitting or polarizing nature of the topic.

thorny question

Replaces "contentious" with "thorny", indicating a difficult or complex issue.

difficult issue

Focuses on the challenge that it presents.

delicate situation

Shifts the focus to the sensitivity of the situation, rather than the dispute itself.

problematic area

Focuses on the troublesomeness or difficulty associated with the subject.

arguable point

Highlights how the subject is open to discussion or disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious matter" to describe a subject that is subject to disagreement, such as "The debate over healthcare reform is a "contentious matter" in many countries".

What are some alternatives to "contentious matter"?

Some alternatives to "contentious matter" include "controversial topic", "debatable issue", or "disputed subject" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "contentious issue" or "contentious matter"?

Both "contentious issue" and "contentious matter" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Matter" is slightly more formal.

What makes a topic a "contentious matter"?

A topic becomes a "contentious matter" when it evokes strong disagreement, debate, or controversy among different groups or individuals, often due to conflicting values, interests, or beliefs.