controversial reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controversial reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is known for causing disagreement or debate among people. Example: "The artist has built a controversial reputation due to their provocative works that challenge societal norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

AID in Africa has controversial reputation.

The Economist

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have a controversial reputation.

Journal of Operations Management

Tells about his controversial reputation among other archeologists.

The New Yorker

But synthesisers acquired a controversial reputation during the 70s.

The Guardian - Music

STEM cells have a controversial reputation, but in truth they are what makes human life possible.

The Economist

He may have a controversial reputation, but he insists he's not out to shock.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Bingo.com... Its good fortune, however, attracted an unusual amount of attention — and hostility — because Carpenter and Evans were neither "Webheads" nor computer geeks, but two women in their forties with controversial reputations rooted in the realm of books, magazines, and television.

The New Yorker

Bingo.com... Its good fortune, however, attracted an unusual amount of attention and hostility because Carpenter and Evans were neither "Webheads" nor computer geeks, but two women in their forties with controversial reputations rooted in the realm of books, magazines, and television.

The New Yorker

If your friends are considered easy or behave poorly you may want to surround yourself with friends with less controversial reputations.

WikiHow

Some of Mr. Pellegrino's detractors say that he had a somewhat controversial publishing reputation.

The New York Times - Books

Mass extrajudicial killings in the anti-drug campaign and Duterte's fiery retorts against critics including former President Obama have earned him a controversial international reputation.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "controversial reputation", be specific about the nature of the controversy. Provide context or examples to illustrate why the subject's reputation is considered controversial.

Common error

Avoid using "controversial reputation" without providing specific details. Simply stating that someone or something has a "controversial reputation" without further explanation can be vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controversial reputation" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where "controversial" is an adjective that modifies the noun "reputation". This structure is used to attribute a specific characteristic to the noun, indicating that the subject's reputation is marked by debate or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "controversial reputation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe an entity whose public image is marked by significant disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its regular usage across various reputable sources. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and specify the nature of the controversy to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "disputable reputation" or "questionable public perception" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. While suitable for neutral registers, adjusting the level of formality based on the context remains crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious image

Focuses on the image or perception being disputed, rather than the overall reputation.

disputable character

Shifts the focus to the individual's moral qualities being questioned.

dubious standing

Emphasizes the uncertainty and doubt surrounding someone's position or status.

questionable public perception

Highlights that public opinion about them is wavering.

checkered past

Refers specifically to past events that contribute to a negative or mixed reputation.

polarizing persona

Indicates a persona that divides people into opposing groups or opinions.

problematic record

Focuses on past actions or achievements that raise concerns.

mixed reviews

Generally refers to something reviewed, such as a play or product, that received both positive and negative feedback.

history of disputes

Highlights a pattern of disagreements or conflicts.

unreliable figure

Implies untrustworthiness and lack of dependability.

FAQs

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

You can use "controversial reputation" to describe a person, organization, or idea that is known for causing public disagreement or disapproval. For instance: "The politician earned a "controversial reputation" due to his stance on immigration."

What are some alternatives to "controversial reputation"?

Alternatives include "disputable reputation", "dubious reputation", or "questionable reputation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "controversial reputation" or "bad reputation"?

"Controversial reputation" implies that the reputation is debated or contested, while "bad reputation" simply indicates a negative public image. Use "controversial reputation" when there are differing opinions and "bad reputation" when the negative view is more widely accepted.

Can a reputation be both "controversial" and "positive"?

While it may seem contradictory, a reputation can be both "controversial" and "positive" in different circles or for different reasons. For example, someone might have a "controversial reputation" for challenging norms, which some view positively and others negatively.