controversial discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"controversial discussion" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a conversation or exchange of ideas or opinions that is centered around a controversial topic. Example: The panelists engaged in a heated and controversial discussion about the proposed changes to the education system.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I expect a controversial discussion" in Brussels, she said.

The New York Times

As it happens, this question has been a center of controversial discussion and some action.

The New Yorker

The "would-be nation" created in 1707 by the Act of Union forms the basis for her controversial discussion - first published in 1992 and now given a timely reissue - of the evolution of Britishness over the ensuing 130 years.

The Guardian - Books

Other important scholarly works were Hillel Barzel's book on the poetry of S. Tchernichovsky, Ziva Shamir's examination of the poetry of Yonatan Ratosh, Yigal Schwartz's monograph on Aaron Reuveni, and Hannan Hever's controversial discussion of Avraham Ben Yitzhak's poetry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mechanism causing the instability is, however, still a subject of controversial discussion.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A controversial discussion concerns dynamic phases (native, early and late arterial, portal venous, equilibrium) in the setting of different liver pathologies [4, 5, 6].

European Radiology Experimental

This diagnosis, using the local peak of vertical velocity, enables us to avoid the controversial discussion on the threshold dependences of detected convections.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

However, we acknowledge that there is an ongoing controversial discussion about the desirability of organizational form neutrality (e.g., Wagner 2006; Ewert and Niemann 2012).

Business Research

Major grain products, i.e., rice and wheat, are in the tariff reduction exception list, which triggers a controversial discussion on trade liberalization and food security.

Journal of Economic Structures

The possible malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP) is the subject of an ongoing and controversial discussion in the literature.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Whereas criteria for accuracy mostly follow straightforwardly from the application, definition of interpretability and its criteria are subject to controversial discussion.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "controversial discussion", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the discussion controversial. Providing background information or hinting at opposing viewpoints can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "controversial discussion" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the core points of contention or the different perspectives involved to give the reader a more concrete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controversial discussion" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a type of conversation characterized by disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "controversial discussion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe a conversation or debate involving strong disagreements or opposing viewpoints. As indicated by Ludwig, it is widely accepted and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, the phrase effectively signals the contentious nature of a topic. While its usage is broad, providing specific details about the points of contention can enhance clarity and avoid vague language. Alternatives such as "contentious debate" or "heated argument" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious debate

Replaces "discussion" with "debate", implying a more formal and structured argument.

heated argument

Shifts the focus to the emotional intensity of the exchange, suggesting strong disagreement.

disputed topic

Highlights the subject matter itself as being under contention, rather than the act of discussing it.

polarizing conversation

Emphasizes the divisive nature of the discussion, suggesting it creates opposing viewpoints.

sensitive subject

Indicates the topic is delicate and potentially uncomfortable to discuss.

thorny issue

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty in resolving the matter being discussed.

ongoing disagreement

Focuses on the continuous nature of the dispute, implying a lack of resolution.

intense deliberation

Suggests a more thoughtful and careful consideration of a controversial matter.

argumentative exchange

Highlights the back-and-forth nature of the argument, focusing on the exchange of opposing views.

fierce debate

Similar to "heated argument" but may imply a more intellectual or formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "controversial discussion" to describe a debate or conversation that involves strong disagreement or opposing viewpoints on a particular topic. For example: "The proposed policy sparked a "controversial discussion" among the board members."

What are some alternatives to "controversial discussion"?

Alternatives include "contentious debate", "heated argument", or "disputed topic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "controversial discussion" or "difficult discussion"?

While both phrases suggest a challenging conversation, ""controversial discussion"" implies disagreement and differing opinions, whereas "difficult discussion" might refer to a sensitive but not necessarily disputed topic.

What makes a discussion "controversial"?

A discussion becomes "controversial" when it involves strongly opposed views, ethical dilemmas, or significant potential consequences, leading to disagreement and debate among participants.