highly disputed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly disputed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic, claim, or issue that is the subject of significant disagreement or controversy. Example: "The findings of the study are highly disputed among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their genealogy and chronology are highly disputed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both are bold and highly disputed claims.

The Washington Post

Land ownership is highly disputed in most forested countries.

The Guardian

But reconsolidation, with its eerie implication that our memories are inauthentic or transitory, was highly disputed.

The New Yorker

The intelligence supporting the claims was either not believed or was highly disputed by the experts.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most highly disputed section of the law was decided by secret ballot, a rare measure.

The New York Times

During the week of the convention, officers arrested more than 1,800 people, often in highly disputed circumstances.

The New York Times

The legislation also phases out the highly disputed shipment of nuclear waste to reprocessing centers in France and Britain.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Books

All three of those came from the penalty spot courtesy of Guardado, two on highly disputed calls.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether the Affordable Care Act should get any credit for this change is a highly disputed matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly disputed", ensure you provide context or evidence to show why the topic is under contention. This strengthens your argument and informs your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "highly disputed" when a topic is only mildly controversial or has limited disagreement. Choose a less emphatic phrase to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly disputed" functions as a pre-modifying adjective, intensifying the degree to which something is contested. Ludwig shows its use across diverse contexts, indicating its broad applicability in academic, news, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly disputed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant disagreement or controversy surrounding a topic. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use across various domains including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "highly contested" or "highly controversial" exist, the key is to provide adequate context when using "highly disputed" to ensure clarity and credibility. Avoid overstating the level of disagreement to maintain accuracy. Its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though careful consideration of the specific context is always advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly contested

This alternative emphasizes the active struggle or competition surrounding the issue.

heavily disputed

This alternative emphasizes the intensity or force with which the disagreement is expressed.

very disputed

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of expressing the disagreement.

highly debated

This term focuses on the active discussion and arguments surrounding the issue.

highly controversial

This alternative emphasizes the divisive nature of the issue and the strong feelings it evokes.

strenuously debated

This alternative implies a more vigorous and persistent level of debate.

hotly debated

This suggests a passionate and possibly heated discussion.

sharply contested

Emphasizes the acuteness and intensity of the disagreement.

earnestly debated

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness with which the debate is conducted.

subject to considerable debate

This is a more formal way of saying that the issue is widely discussed and disagreed upon.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly disputed" to describe claims, facts, or theories that are subject to strong disagreement, for example: "The scientific evidence for that claim is "highly disputed"."

What are some alternatives to "highly disputed"?

Some alternatives include "highly contested", "heavily disputed", or "highly controversial". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "highly disputed" or "widely disputed"?

"Highly disputed" and "widely disputed" are both valid, but "highly disputed" suggests a more intense level of disagreement than "widely disputed". "Widely disputed" implies disagreement across a broader range of people or sources.

What makes a topic "highly disputed"?

A topic is considered "highly disputed" when there are significant, credible arguments on opposing sides, and no clear consensus exists. This often involves conflicting evidence or differing interpretations of data.