controversial remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controversial remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement that provokes disagreement or debate among people. Example: "The politician's controversial remark sparked a heated discussion among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

You snatch a politician's mildly controversial remark.

The Guardian

In 2013 Godfrey Bloom MEP left the party after he made a controversial remark referring to women as 'sluts'sluts

Independent

Ari Fleischer, who served as President George W. Bush's spokesman, tried to cast an earlier controversial remark by Mr. Romney as a prescient insight.

The New York Times

He happened to be in Washington when Kerry made his controversial remark, working to wean American politicians off the "peace process".

The Guardian - Opinion

But according to Effie T Brown, the African American producer who prompted his controversial remark, Damon has yet to contact her personally.

The Guardian - Film

"As David Landes observed, 'Culture makes all the difference.' " Professor Landes's views lay behind a controversial remark Mr. Romney made in July 2012 at a campaign fund-raiser in Jerusalem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Holyfield was cautioned over his controversial remarks.

Independent

Not really," he added, in reference to his controversial remarks.

Independent

Republicans appeared to be focusing on the controversial remarks.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama did not specify what those controversial remarks were.

The New York Times

But she retains an unerring ability to generate headlines and spout epigrammatic, controversial remarks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "controversial remark", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the remark is considered controversial. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the controversy.

Common error

Avoid using "controversial remark" for comments that are simply unpopular or generate mild disagreement. Reserve it for statements that incite strong opposition or debate due to ethical, political, or social implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controversial remark" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "controversial" modifies the noun "remark". It serves to identify a specific type of statement likely to provoke disagreement or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controversial remark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly within the News & Media domain. As Ludwig AI points out, it refers to a statement that is likely to provoke disagreement or opposition. While applicable in various registers, it is most often encountered in neutral to professional settings. Alternatives such as "contentious statement" or "provocative comment" can be used to subtly alter the nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the controversial nature of the remark. Its frequent use by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious statement

Replaces "remark" with "statement", emphasizing the formal nature of the expression.

provocative comment

Substitutes "controversial" with "provocative", highlighting the intention to elicit a strong reaction.

inflammatory declaration

Replaces "remark" with "declaration", suggesting a more formal and public announcement; "inflammatory" implies a higher degree of controversy.

debatable assertion

Focuses on the disputable nature of the remark, using "assertion" to suggest a firm but contestable belief.

disputed comment

Highlights that the comment is currently under disagreement or challenge.

questionable statement

Indicates that the remark is of dubious validity or appropriateness.

hot-button issue

Shifts the focus from the remark itself to the subject it concerns, emphasizing its sensitivity.

sensitive subject

Similar to "hot-button issue", this focuses on the delicate nature of the topic discussed.

polarizing opinion

Emphasizes that the remark divides people, creating opposing viewpoints.

unpopular view

Suggests the remark is not widely accepted or supported.

FAQs

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

You can use "controversial remark" to describe a statement that has caused disagreement or offense. For example: "The politician's "controversial remark" about immigration sparked protests."

What are some alternatives to "controversial remark"?

Alternatives include "contentious statement", "provocative comment", or "inflammatory declaration", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "controversial statement" or "controversial remark"?

Both "controversial statement" and "controversial remark" are acceptable. "Statement" is slightly more formal, while "remark" can imply a more casual or off-the-cuff comment.

What makes a remark "controversial"?

A remark is considered "controversial" when it expresses a viewpoint that clashes with commonly held beliefs, challenges established norms, or is likely to offend or upset a significant number of people.