controversial convention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controversial convention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a widely debated or disputed practice, rule, or event that is recognized within a particular field or community. Example: "The controversial convention on climate change policies sparked heated discussions among the delegates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Clint Eastwood said the idea for the most controversial convention speech in a generation came to him in the green room off stage, just after he greeted Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, the country's most influential Roman Catholic bishop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps the most controversial Instagram convention is the "selfie".

Huffington Post

"The controversial rule change being debated at the RNC convention right now is so very disappointing," she said.

Independent

The "God issue" is described by delegates as one of the most controversial at the convention.

The New York Times

The idea is controversial, as scientific convention states that genes contained in DNA are the only way to transmit biological information between generations.

The Guardian

It comes to something when the most controversial defiance of convention by a politician in recent years was Gordon Brown's refusal to wear a dinner jacket and bow tie.

The Guardian

The 30-second advert begins with a clip of President Ronald Reagan speaking at the controversial 1992 Republican convention, which many members believe was disastrously hijacked by divisive rhetoric from the likes of Pat Buchanan.

The Guardian

Mr President, as previous speakers have said, precisely what to do to give regional and local authorities a higher profile and standing is proving to be controversial under the Convention.

EU Parlament

Unless you're at a convention for controversial speeches, it's best to avoid topics that are too controversial, like abortion or gun control.

WikiHow

A speaker who made a controversial appearance at the convention: Clint Eastwood.

The New York Times

The settlements brought to a close one of the more controversial chapters of the convention: raids involving heavily armed police officers who arrived at homes and a protest-planning headquarters the weekend before the Republican gathering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "controversial convention", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific nature and scope of the controversy. Providing additional details about the reasons for the controversy strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "controversial convention" without specifying what makes it controversial. Broad statements without context can lead to misinterpretations and weaken the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controversial convention" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'controversial' modifies the noun 'convention'. This phrase is used to describe a gathering, meeting, or established practice that is subject to widespread disagreement or intense debate. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controversial convention" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a convention, meeting, or practice marked by significant disagreement or debate. Ludwig confirms this. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While not extremely common, the phrase serves the purpose of objectively identifying and categorizing events or practices subject to substantial disagreement. When employing this phrase, consider the importance of providing specific details about the nature of the controversy to enhance clarity and avoid generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputed gathering

Focuses on the disagreement surrounding the event itself.

contentious assembly

Emphasizes the presence of strong opposing viewpoints at the assembly.

polarizing conference

Highlights the divisive nature of the conference.

debated forum

Emphasizes the active debate taking place within the forum.

questionable meeting

Suggests doubts or uncertainty surrounding the meeting's purpose or outcomes.

divisive summit

Highlights the dividing effect the summit has on opinions or groups.

unsettled deliberation

Emphasizes that the deliberation has not reached a consensus and remains contentious.

disagreed-upon protocol

Shifts focus to the protocol being a source of disagreement.

arguable tradition

Implies the tradition is subject to dispute or challenges.

challenging norm

Highlights that the norm is being questioned or resisted.

FAQs

How can I use "controversial convention" in a sentence?

You can use "controversial convention" to describe a gathering or practice that sparks disagreement. For example: "The politician's speech at the "controversial convention" drew widespread criticism".

What are some alternatives to "controversial convention"?

Alternatives include "disputed gathering", "contentious assembly", or "polarizing conference", depending on the context and specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a convention "controversial"?

A convention can be deemed "controversial" if it involves divisive topics, elicits strong disagreement among participants or observers, or challenges established norms and values.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "controversial convention"?

Not necessarily. While "controversial" often implies disagreement or disapproval, it can also simply indicate that the convention is subject to significant debate and scrutiny. The context determines the overall tone.