controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

"controversy" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or topic that is the subject of intense public disagreement or debate. For example, "The issue of government surveillance has sparked a great deal of controversy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately, that match also set the tone for a year of bitter controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

Further controversy has been caused by a questionnaire sent to all Hungarians by Orban's government to sound out their views on immigration.

The Guardian

The father of the woman at the centre of the controversy told the court on Tuesday: "My daughter is dead, the chances of the foetus surviving are minimal, we have been told.

The Guardian

In the 1991 book that popularised that term, the sociologist James Davison Hunter recorded a European friend expressing surprise that Americans "typically conduct their lives in private and with little controversy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott addressed the controversy when he faced the media in Houston, Texas, on the last leg of his trip to North America.

The Guardian

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the opposition Nationalist Movement party (MHP), said the controversy was a political manoeuvre devised by Erdogan to "cover up his faults", including corruption claims targeting his inner circle.

The Guardian

Efforts to allow civil unions in Italy have caused political controversy.

The Guardian

But this is not the first time that Dequenne has appeared in a film linked to a real-life controversy.

The Guardian - Film

What the Castlederg controversy tells us is that in the quest for a proper post-conflict truth and reconciliation process even history is a loaded gun.

The Guardian

The Brand controversy overshadowed the screening on Tuesday night of a Labour election broadcast heavily focused on Miliband, directed by Paul Greengrass.

The Guardian

The idea of Falstaff as a Wagnerian work caused controversy for the octogenarian Verdi.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "controversy", provide context and present multiple perspectives to ensure balanced coverage. Avoid taking a biased stance without acknowledging opposing viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "controversy" to describe minor disagreements or debates that lack widespread impact. Save it for situations with substantial public attention and conflicting opinions.

Linguistic Context

The word "controversy" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a state of prolonged public dispute or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controversy" is a versatile and commonly used noun to describe situations involving prolonged public dispute or debate. As verified by Ludwig AI, it maintains grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To write effectively about a "controversy", it is essential to maintain a neutral stance, present multiple perspectives, and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives such as "contentious issue" or "matter of dispute" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious issue

Focuses on the subject matter being disputed.

matter of dispute

Highlights the disagreement itself.

bone of contention

Emphasizes the source of the disagreement.

public debate

Focuses on the open and public nature of the disagreement.

heated argument

Highlights the intensity of the disagreement.

source of conflict

Emphasizes the disagreement leading to conflict.

point of disagreement

Focuses on a specific aspect where opinions diverge.

area of contention

Highlights the scope within which disagreement exists.

storm of protest

Emphasizes the widespread objection and outcry.

subject of widespread disagreement

Highlights the broad scale of differing opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "controversy" to refer to a prolonged public dispute or debate. For example, "The new policy sparked a major "controversy"."

What are some synonyms for "controversy"?

Alternatives to "controversy" include "dispute", "debate", "argument", and "contention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "controversy" and "disagreement"?

"Disagreement" is a general term for any difference of opinion. "Controversy" implies a more significant and prolonged public dispute involving strong opposing views.

Is it appropriate to use "controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "controversy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing significant public disagreements or debates. Be sure to provide sufficient context.