controversial phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controversial phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or expression that provokes disagreement or debate among people. Example: "The politician's speech included a controversial phrase that sparked heated discussions among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Trump has unapologetically used the controversial phrase "anchor baby" to refer to the children of non-US citizens born in America and therefore given citizenship by right, helping their parents to stay.

The Guardian

In a Reflections piece published posthumously, Arendt expanded on her use of the controversial phrase: I was struck by a manifest shallowness in the doer which made it impossible to trace the incontestable evil of his deeds to any deeper level of roots or motives.

The New Yorker

In a Reflections piece that was published posthumously, Arendt expanded on her use of the controversial phrase: In Part V of "Eichmann," Arendt reflects upon the case of German sergeant Anton Schmidt, who was one of the few Germans to aid the Jews.

The New Yorker

Hawkish commentators (like me) objected strenuously to this staff formulation; when the final report was issued, signed by all members of the bipartisan commission, a modifier had been added to the controversial phrase, which became "we have seen no evidence that these or the earlier contacts ever developed into a collaborative operational relationship".

The New York Times - Magazine

Whereas many innovative concepts treated styling as an afterthought, Briggs & Stratton commissioned industrial designer Brooks Stevens – he of Willys Jeepster, Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and Evinrude outboard-motor fame, as well as the coiner of the controversial phrase "planned obsolescence" – to produce this design.

BBC

The advertising department placed the controversial phrase, "In 1946 this man killed five people...today he still lurks the streets of Texarkana, Ark". on the poster.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Far better to use reported speech, or quote in full, and save this tactic for unusual or controversial phrases such as "omnishambles" and "bonkeroony".

The Guardian

Still, if I can reconstruct my thought process, I think I considered three points, which apply broadly to the use of any controversial word or phrase.

The New Yorker

They had put together a "usage panel" of about a hundred people, mostly professional writers and editors, whom they consulted — indeed, they asked them to vote — on controversial words and phrases.

The New Yorker

They had put together a "usage panel" of about a hundred people, mostly professional writers and editors, whom they consulted indeed, they asked them to vote on controversial words and phrases.

The New Yorker

In a series of tests over five months, ending in April, Villeneuve entered a list of 60 political controversial words and phrases into Google's uncensored U.S. search engine, including general terms like "human rights," titles of Western publications and words associated with China's banned Falun Gong movement.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "controversial phrase" without backing it up with evidence or examples. Substantiating your claim adds credibility to your argument and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid labeling a phrase as "controversial" without explaining the reasons behind the controversy. Simply stating that a phrase is controversial without providing context can leave the audience confused or dismissive of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controversial phrase" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "controversial" modifies the noun "phrase". Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it serves to identify expressions that generate disagreement or strong opposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "controversial phrase" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an expression that sparks disagreement or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While the phrase itself is neutral, its effectiveness depends on providing specific context to explain the nature of the controversy. Alternatives like "contentious expression" or "debatable term" can offer nuanced perspectives, but "controversial phrase" remains a widely understood and versatile choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious expression

Replaces "phrase" with "expression", emphasizing the manner of communication that causes dispute.

debatable term

Substitutes "phrase" with "term", highlighting the specific word or expression being questioned.

disputed wording

Replaces "phrase" with "wording", focusing on the specific choice of words in a statement.

sensitive statement

Shifts the focus to the potential emotional impact of the phrase, implying it may cause offense.

polarizing remark

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

inflammatory language

Highlights the potentially aggressive or provocative nature of the phrase.

questionable language

Focuses on the doubts or uncertainties surrounding the phrase, suggesting it is not accepted.

provocative utterance

Replaces "phrase" with "utterance", and highlights the intention to elicit a strong reaction.

divisive terminology

Substitutes "phrase" with "terminology", referring to specific words that cause division.

objectionable expression

Highlights the fact that it could be considered offensive and cause objections.

FAQs

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

You can use "controversial phrase" to describe a statement or expression that is likely to provoke disagreement or strong opposition. For example, "The politician's use of a "controversial phrase" sparked outrage among voters."

What are some alternatives to "controversial phrase"?

Alternatives include "contentious expression", "debatable term", or "disputed wording", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "controversial phrase" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure you provide sufficient context and evidence to support your assertion that the phrase is indeed controversial. Overuse without justification can weaken your argument.

What makes a phrase "controversial"?

A phrase becomes "controversial" when it elicits strong disagreement, debate, or opposition, often due to conflicting values, beliefs, or interpretations among different groups of people.