in dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

"in dispute" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say: "The ownership of the property is in dispute between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A. That is in dispute.

The New York Times

That is not in dispute.

The New York Times

That, too, is in dispute.

The New York Times

The reasons are in dispute.

The New York Times

That number is in dispute.

The New York Times

What happened next remains in dispute.

The New York Times

The facts have never been in dispute.

The Economist

The cause of death was in dispute.

The New York Times

Yet, even that is in dispute.

The New York Times

What happened next is in dispute.

The New York Times

But even that is in dispute.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in dispute" when you want to indicate that there is disagreement or uncertainty about a fact, claim, or idea. Ensure the context clearly identifies what is being disputed.

Common error

Avoid using "in dispute" if there's only a minor detail that's unclear, rather than a fundamental disagreement. Use it when the core issue is being contested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in dispute" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to modify a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is the subject of disagreement or contention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in dispute" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signals disagreement or uncertainty about a particular issue or fact. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of the disagreement and that it applies to a fundamental issue rather than a minor detail. Alternatives such as "under discussion", "at issue", and "contested" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contested

Focuses on the act of actively disputing something.

at issue

Emphasizes that something is the central point of disagreement.

under discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing something that hasn't been settled yet.

under debate

Emphasizes a formal or structured discussion about something.

subject to disagreement

Directly states that there is a lack of consensus.

in question

Highlights that something is currently being doubted or challenged.

challenged

Highlights that something is being called into question and potentially disproven.

open to debate

Suggests that something is not yet settled and still being considered.

matter of contention

Highlights that something is a significant point of conflict.

subject to challenge

Focuses on the potential for something to be disputed or overturned.

FAQs

How can I use "in dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "in dispute" to indicate that a particular fact, claim, or idea is being questioned or challenged. For example, "The facts of the case are "in dispute"".

What's the difference between "in dispute" and "under discussion"?

"In dispute" suggests an active disagreement or challenge, while "under discussion" simply means that something is being talked about, without necessarily implying conflict.

What are some alternatives to saying "in dispute"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "contested", "at issue", or "under debate" as alternatives to "in dispute".

Is it correct to say "not in dispute"?

Yes, "not in dispute" is a perfectly valid and commonly used phrase to indicate that there is agreement or consensus about something.