contentious role

USAGE SUMMARY

"contentious role" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a role or position that is controversial or prone to creating arguments or disputes. Example: The new CEO's contentious role in the company was met with mixed reactions from the employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Murphy takes the related, but politically less contentious role of shadow international secretary.

The Guardian

The United States played an at-times contentious role in the recent negotiations, with its officials rankling fellow delegates by initially refusing to accept a landmark climate report and later putting on a presentation touting the virtues of fossil fuels.

The Washington Post

The contentious role played by Goldman Sachs in Greece's debt-saddled financial crisis is under scrutiny by financial regulators in the US, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, revealed yesterday.

The Guardian - Business

The reconstituted museum's debut, previously set for December, has now been postponed until June — a delay that has thrown into relief the dogged and sometimes contentious role of the museum's president, Anne Baldassari, in the makeover.

The New York Times - Arts

On a Tuesday last month, Sion Misrahi, a real-estate dealmaker who has played a central and often contentious role in that history, stood in front of the hotel construction site and reflected on the moment, a dozen years ago, when he saw the future of the neighborhood.

The New York Times

The world's largest economy and its second-largest polluter played an at-times contentious role in the negotiations, with its officials rankling fellow delegates by initially refusing to accept a landmark climate report and later putting on a presentation touting the virtues of fossil fuels.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Occasionally yes, but most often, any kind of bonding that was forged during the event evaporated the minute we stepped foot back into our contentious roles and stressful work-lives.

Forbes

The name rose in popularity in the 1980s and peaked in 1992, but as Hillary Clinton took on a contentious political role in her husband's administration, its use dropped off steeply: more than 2,500 Hillarys were born in 1992, but only 408 in 1994.

The New York Times

How contentious a role Republican senators and legal activists want in opposing Obama nominees, though, is itself controversial.

The Washington Post

But even a cursory knowledge of Bandera and the two militias will reveal how contentious their role in history has been - not just for Ukraine and Russia but for Europe.

The Guardian

Asked if he was concerned he said: "Yes, because the police need to be able to safeguard people without being drawn into a hugely contentious potential role about a kind of thought police control of what people can and can not say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "contentious role", provide specific examples of why the role is considered contentious to give context and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a role as "contentious" without specifying the reasons behind the controversy. This weakens your statement and leaves room for misinterpretation. Be precise about the issues involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious role" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "contentious" modifies the noun "role". It describes a specific attribute of the role, indicating that it is likely to cause disagreement or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious role" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a position or function that is likely to cause disagreement or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is deemed correct. It finds use across various contexts, most notably in news and media, as well as in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples to illustrate why the role is considered contentious. Alternative phrases such as "disputed position" or "divisive role" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding overgeneralization and clearly articulating the reasons behind the contentiousness enhances the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Divisive role

This refers to a role that causes disagreement or separation among people or groups.

Disputed position

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the role itself, rather than the role's inherent nature.

Contentious duty

This emphasizes that the job or obligation causes or involves dispute.

Controversial responsibility

Highlights the controversial aspect of the duties associated with the role.

Debated function

Emphasizes the argument or discussion about the role's purpose.

Problematic position

Indicates the role is causing or likely to cause trouble or difficulties.

Questionable involvement

Suggests that the role's participation is under scrutiny or doubt.

Disputable task

This indicates the role or task is open to question or doubt; not clearly true or accurate.

Polarizing influence

Highlights the divisive nature of the role's impact or actions.

Challenging assignment

This implies the role or task is difficult in a way that tests one's abilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious role" to describe a position that causes disagreement or argument. For example: "The CEO's "contentious role" in the company's restructuring led to significant employee pushback."

What are some alternatives to "contentious role"?

Alternatives include "disputed position", "controversial responsibility", or "divisive role", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a role "contentious"?

A role is "contentious" when it involves issues that are subject to strong disagreement or debate, often leading to conflict or controversy. This can stem from ethical concerns, conflicting interests, or differing opinions on how the role should be performed.

Is it better to avoid "contentious roles" in an organization?

Not necessarily. While "contentious roles" can create conflict, they can also be vital for challenging the status quo and promoting necessary change. The key is to manage the conflict effectively and ensure that disagreements are addressed constructively.