contentious subject

USAGE SUMMARY

'contentious subject' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement due to its sensitivity. For example, "Religious freedom is always a contentious subject in the public arena".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Water remains a contentious subject.

The New York Times - Science

Vertical integration is probably the most contentious subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

(It's a contentious subject but the local connections are undeniable).

The Guardian

And it will, inevitably, have to address the minor but contentious subject of agriculture.

The Economist

She brings a careful, nuanced and thoughtful approach to an often contentious subject.

The New York Times - Books

But whenever the rules appear, the Fed will face political scrutiny on such a contentious subject.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

In Washington, however, the treaty remains a contentious subject -- on both ideological and practical grounds.

The New York Times

AFFORDABLE housing has long been a contentious subject in the exclusive suburb of Darien.

The New York Times

How to honor our nation's heroes is always a contentious subject.

The New York Times

It also describes a contentious subject for musicians, producers and fans in China.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "contentious subject", acknowledge differing viewpoints to demonstrate a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid presenting only one side of a "contentious subject". Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your argument and build credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious subject" functions as a noun phrase, where 'contentious' modifies 'subject'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying a topic or issue that is likely to provoke disagreement or argument. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to refer to a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement due to its sensitivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contentious subject" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a topic likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples in Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, media, and scientific writing, suggesting its broad applicability. Related phrases include "divisive issue" and "controversial matter", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When writing about a "contentious subject", it's crucial to acknowledge different viewpoints to provide a balanced perspective and avoid presenting biased arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue of contention

Formally highlights the disagreement and conflict surrounding the matter.

controversial matter

Highlights the potential for public disagreement and strong feelings.

divisive issue

Focuses on the separating effect an issue has on people.

polarizing topic

Emphasizes the division of opinions into opposing extremes.

sensitive issue

Stresses the need for careful handling due to potential emotional impact.

hot-button issue

Indicates a topic that is currently generating a lot of public attention and debate.

debatable topic

Emphasizes the possibility of arguing different sides.

disputed point

Highlights the disagreement and lack of consensus.

thorny question

Suggests a problem that is difficult to resolve.

delicate topic

Implies fragility and the need for careful handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious subject" to describe topics that often lead to disagreement. For example, "Immigration reform is a "contentious subject" in many countries".

What's a more formal alternative to "contentious subject"?

A more formal alternative to "contentious subject" could be "issue of contention", which carries a similar meaning but is suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is "controversial topic" the same as "contentious subject"?

While "controversial topic" and "contentious subject" are similar, "contentious subject" often implies a longer-standing or more deeply rooted disagreement. "Controversial topic" may refer to something that is currently causing disagreement.

What are some examples of a "contentious subject"?

Examples of a "contentious subject" include political ideologies, religious beliefs, and ethical dilemmas. These topics often spark debate and disagreement due to differing values and perspectives.