hotly contested

USAGE SUMMARY

"hotly contested" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that receives a lot of opposition or disagreement. For example, "The hotly contested debate over immigration reform continues on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is hotly contested.

The Guardian

It will now be hotly contested again.

The Economist

This assurance was hotly contested.

The New York Times

However, Brown's next movements were hotly contested.

Independent

No election was more hotly contested.

The New York Times - Books

Admittedly it's not a hotly contested title.

The Guardian - Travel

The episode is a hotly contested one.

The Guardian

The contract had been hotly contested.

The New York Times

The most hotly contested of awards.

The Guardian - Sport

The issue of the wiretaps was hotly contested before trial.

The New York Times

The other forensic evidence was hotly contested between experts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hotly contested" to describe situations where there is significant disagreement, opposition, or competition. It adds emphasis to the intensity of the dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "hotly contested" in contexts where the disagreement is minor or simply a matter of differing opinions without strong opposition. The phrase implies a significant level of contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hotly contested" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier describing the manner in which something is contested. It emphasizes the intensity and fervor of the competition or disagreement, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showing it used to describe elections, legal issues and scientific theories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hotly contested" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe scenarios marked by intense disagreement or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its function is to emphasize the fervor and strong opposition involved. When using it, ensure the situation warrants a description of significant contention, and consider alternatives like "fiercely disputed" or "vigorously debated" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hotly debated

A more direct synonym, replacing "contested" with "debated" to maintain a similar meaning.

fiercely disputed

Emphasizes the intensity and passion involved in the dispute.

vigorously debated

Highlights the active and energetic nature of the debate.

earnestly challenged

Focuses on the sincerity and determination behind the challenge.

strenuously argued

Implies a considerable effort and energy put into the argument.

intensely competitive

Shifts the focus to the competitive aspect, suggesting a strong rivalry.

heavily challenged

Emphasizes the significant degree of challenge faced.

acrimoniously debated

Highlights the bitterness and resentment present in the debate.

closely contested

Suggests a narrow margin between opposing sides.

contentiously discussed

Focuses on the controversial and argumentative nature of the discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "hotly contested" in a sentence?

You can use "hotly contested" to describe anything from elections to legal battles, indicating strong disagreement or opposition. For example, "The election was "hotly contested", with both candidates neck and neck in the polls."

What are some alternatives to "hotly contested"?

Alternatives include "fiercely disputed", "vigorously debated", or "intensely competitive", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "hotly contested" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "hotly contested" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations involving significant disagreement or conflict. It is often found in news reports, academic papers, and legal documents.

What makes a debate or election "hotly contested"?

A debate or election is "hotly contested" when there is a high level of disagreement, strong opposition from multiple sides, and significant public interest or media coverage. It implies that the outcome is uncertain and the stakes are high.