controversial

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'controversial' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a subject, opinion, or statement that causes or is likely to cause disagreement among people. For example, "The politician's views on immigration were highly controversial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is controversial.

The Economist

The Labour MP Austin Mitchell has refused to apologise for likening the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to "rapists" over its controversial takeover of AstraZeneca.

The Guardian

Two other senior GOP sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party's leadership had promised to give the controversial bill, the Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act, floor time in the 114th Congress.

The Guardian

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, also appealed to unionist leaders to return to the negotiating table over controversial parades, the flying of flags and the legacy of Ulster's violent past.

The Guardian

While the decision disappointed some, particularly those trumpeting the charismatic claims of Yousafzai, the decision marks something of a return to the tradition of honouring work directly connected to disarmament, after the EU in 2012 and the even more controversial prize to Barack Obama in 2009.

The Guardian

That day, the seventh and last time Villa won the Cup, is remembered as one of the most controversial finals.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been controversial since it was set up under Labour, when it was accused of stigmatising Muslims – including a case in which it funded CCTV cameras in a Muslim area of Birmingham.

The Guardian

Now the Home Office is once again increasing the number of local authorities involved, alongside controversial plans to place a duty on universities, schools and local authorities to "prevent people from being drawn into terrorism", through an amendment to the counter-terror and security bill, which is at the Lords report stage.

The Guardian

There are only a handful of exemptions to the ban on abortion – to save the mother's life, if the pregnancy was a result of rape, or, in a recent controversial addition, if the foetus has anencephaly, a rare birth defect in which the brain and skull do not develop.

The Guardian

Labor introduced a controversial "no advantage test" on 13 August last year in an unsuccessful attempt to stop asylum boats from coming by insisting that those applying for refugee status in that way received no benefit compared with those who stayed in refugee camps in the region.

The Guardian

"I also welcome the fact that Queen's has shown the corporate courage to tackle sensitive and controversial and potentially divisive issues".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "controversial", be specific about why a topic is generating disagreement. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "controversial" without explaining the differing viewpoints or the nature of the debate. This weakens your statement and leaves the reader uninformed.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "controversial" primarily functions to qualify nouns, indicating that the noun (e.g., issue, decision, statement) is subject to disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI validates this use, showcasing examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controversial" is a common adjective used to describe topics, issues, or decisions that are subject to strong disagreement and debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "controversial", it's best practice to provide specific context about the differing viewpoints to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "debatable", "contentious", and "disputed" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious

Focuses on the tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

disputed

Highlights the fact that something is being argued about or questioned.

debatable

Emphasizes that the topic is open to discussion and different points of view.

arguable

Implies that there is a case to be made for different sides of an issue.

questionable

Suggests that there are doubts or uncertainties about something.

polemical

Describes something that is aggressively argumentative and often attacks opposing views.

divisive

Indicates that something causes disagreement and separates people into opposing groups.

contentious issue

Emphasizes that the topic it refers to is likely to cause disagreements.

subject to debate

Directly indicates that something is open for discussion and argument.

giving rise to disagreement

Focuses on the action of producing conflict and differing opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "controversial" in a sentence?

You can use "controversial" to describe a topic, issue, decision, or person that evokes strong disagreement or debate. For example, "The new policy is "controversial" because it affects many people differently."

What words can I use instead of "controversial"?

Alternatives to "controversial" include "debatable", "contentious", "disputed", or "arguable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes something "controversial"?

A topic becomes "controversial" when it involves conflicting values, beliefs, or interests, leading to strong disagreement and public debate. This often involves significant ethical, political, or social implications.

What is the difference between "controversial" and "disputable"?

"Controversial" implies a widespread public disagreement and strong feelings, while "disputable" simply means something can be argued or questioned. Something "controversial" is likely to be more widely and emotionally debated than something merely "disputable".