disputed topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disputed topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subject which is argued about or discussed in an intense or heated manner. For example: "The death penalty has been a disputed topic for decades, with people on both sides of the argument unable to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The problem of ingesting known allergens can be solved by that hotly disputed topic – labeling.

Harvard University

However, the ministry cautioned that a panel of experts investigating the highly disputed topic had not reached a conclusion.

The Guardian - Books

His scope is wide, but for the past several years he has focused on the hotly disputed topic of the mind.

The Economist

When it comes to the hotly disputed topic of college admissions, the one thing everyone agrees about is that it's unfair.

Harvard University

Traumatic basal subarachnoid haemorrhage (TBSH) following trauma to the head, face or neck is well-established as a cause of death; however it remains a heavily disputed topic as the site of vascular injury is difficult to identify.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine

How much of a loss uninsured depositors with accounts of more than 100,000 euros at the bank would have to bear has become a hotly disputed topic in the past two weeks, pitting Cyprus's creditors — the European Commission, the European Central Bank and in particular the International Monetary Fund, known widely as the troika — against the Cyprus government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The works produced in his quarrel with Martin Luther over grace and free will, except for his explicit adoption of Academic skepticism as a guiding principle, hinged entirely on his and Luther's divergent interpretations of the biblical passages they judged relevant to the disputed topics.

SEP

The disputed topics are worthy of note because they emerge more from gaps in the knowledge of the protocols than from the actual type of research being conducted within the protocol.

Health Research Policy and Systems

However, psychological experiments show that people can be selective in how they deal with information about hotly disputed political topics.

The Washington Post

The economic implications of different forms of migration is a complex topic, disputed by for example a free-market think tank arguing against immigration controls and a pressure group campaigning for tighter restrictions.

BBC

I think it offers readers some valuable insight and additional information on this much-disputed topic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disputed topic", consider providing a brief overview of the different viewpoints involved to give your audience a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid labeling a topic as a "disputed topic" if the disagreement is minor or only held by a small minority. Ensure that there is substantial evidence of widespread contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disputed topic" functions as a noun phrase, where 'disputed' modifies 'topic'. The phrase is used to identify a subject or issue that is the source of disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disputed topic" effectively labels subjects of significant disagreement across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common use in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Alternatives like "controversial issue" or "debatable subject" can be used for variety. When employing "disputed topic", ensure that the context supports the claim that the subject is truly contested and that you provide balanced perspectives on the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controversial issue

Replaces 'topic' with 'issue' emphasizing the problematic nature of the subject

debatable subject

Uses 'debatable' instead of 'disputed', highlighting the aspect of argumentation

contentious point

Substitutes 'topic' with 'point' and 'disputed' with 'contentious' suggesting a strong disagreement

questionable matter

Emphasizes the uncertainty or doubt surrounding the topic

arguable question

Focuses on the aspect that the topic can be argued from different viewpoints

unsettled issue

Highlights that the issue is not resolved or agreed upon

up-for-debate matter

A more informal way of saying something is open for discussion

point of contention

Focuses on the disagreement itself rather than the subject

moot point

Suggests the topic's practical significance is questionable

contested subject

Highlights that the subject is being actively challenged or opposed

FAQs

How can I use "disputed topic" in a sentence?

You can use "disputed topic" to refer to a subject that is being debated or argued about. For example: "Climate change is a "disputed topic" in political discourse".

What is another way to say "disputed topic"?

Alternatives to "disputed topic" include phrases like "controversial issue", "debatable subject", or "contentious point".

Is it appropriate to use "disputed topic" in formal writing?

Yes, "disputed topic" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe a subject under debate. Ensure the context supports the claim that the topic is genuinely disputed.

What makes a topic "disputed"?

A topic is considered "disputed" when there are significant disagreements or conflicting opinions about it, often leading to debate and discussion. This can arise from conflicting evidence, differing values, or varied interpretations of facts.