contestable topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contestable topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a subject or issue that is open to debate or disagreement. Example: "The climate change debate is a highly contestable topic among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first five years were exciting as a part of a pioneering effort to create a journal on a highly contestable topic within the relatively inexperienced publisher.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Michel Piron said he would not "stay in a UMP presided over by a president who is contested and contestable".

The Guardian

(3) is obviously a contestable, and contested, claim.

SEP

Quantification, he wrote, "is more readily contestable and likely to be contested".

The Economist

The collection provides an overview of his professional activities, including his research on the cost disease, unbalanced growth, productivity growth, entrepreneurship, increasing returns and international trade, anti-trust policy, contestable markets, market structure, macroeconomic theory, and interest rate and monetary theory, among other topics.

Duke University

More particularly, how problematic or contestable has "horizontal" judicial review been within the European Union as a matter of principle?

Columbia University

That argument is contestable.

The Guardian - Opinion

As much is contestable.

The Guardian - Books

This is a contestable assumption.

Harvard University

Their therapeutic status is contestable.

Social Science & Medicine

The contestable space is values.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contestable topic" when you want to emphasize that a subject is not only debatable but also that its fundamental assumptions or premises can be challenged.

Common error

While "contestable topic" is appropriate for academic and formal writing, consider using more accessible alternatives like "debatable issue" or "controversial subject" in less formal contexts to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contestable topic" functions as a noun phrase, where "contestable" modifies the noun "topic". It indicates that the topic is open to dispute or argument. Ludwig's examples show it's used to describe subjects where different viewpoints can be presented and debated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contestable topic" is a phrase used to describe a subject that is open to debate or argument, where differing viewpoints can be presented and challenged. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it is grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While the usage frequency is rare, the phrase is valuable for framing discussions that welcome diverse perspectives. Remember to use it in contexts that align with its formal tone, and consider alternatives like "debatable subject" or "controversial issue" for less formal settings. The phrase is considered correct by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debatable subject

Focuses on the aspect of being open to debate or argument, similar to "contestable topic".

disputable subject

Emphasizes the possibility of disagreement or questioning the validity of the subject.

controversial matter

Highlights the presence of strong opposing views or feelings regarding the topic.

contentious issue

Focuses on the likelihood of causing arguments or disputes.

arguable point

Emphasizes the potential for presenting different sides or perspectives.

questionable thesis

Specifically suggests doubts or uncertainties surrounding the main argument.

open question

Implies the absence of a definitive answer or resolution.

up for debate

Indicates that the topic is specifically intended to be discussed and argued.

matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the topic, where personal beliefs hold sway.

unsettled question

Suggests ongoing discussion and lack of consensus.

FAQs

How can I use "contestable topic" in a sentence?

You can use "contestable topic" to describe an issue that is open to debate and has different perspectives. For example: "The ethics of artificial intelligence is a highly "contestable topic" in modern society."

What are some alternatives to "contestable topic"?

Alternatives include "debatable subject", "controversial issue", or "arguable point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider using "debatable subject", "controversial issue", or "arguable point".

Is "contestable topic" formal or informal?

"Contestable topic" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "up for debate" or "matter of opinion".

What's the difference between "contestable topic" and "contested topic"?

"Contestable topic" means a subject is open to being challenged or debated. "Contested topic" means it's already being actively argued or disputed. A "contested topic" is actively under contention, while a "contestable topic" has the potential to be.