is controversial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is controversial" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is highly debated or disputed. Example: The proposed policy on immigration is controversial, as it has sparked intense debates among politicians and citizens alike.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The approach is controversial.

The Economist

But spraying is controversial.

The Economist

Every step is controversial.

The Economist

Abortion is controversial.

The New York Times

This view is controversial.

The Economist

But that is controversial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is controversial.

The Economist

The aid is controversial.

The Economist

But it is controversial.

The Economist

That policy is controversial.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This too is controversial.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is controversial", ensure you provide context to explain why the subject is generating debate. Specificity strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid stating something "is controversial" without providing any evidence or explanation. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced. Support your claim by briefly stating the differing viewpoints or reasons for the controversy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is controversial" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or subject as being subject to disagreement or debate. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used. The Examples provided by Ludwig show a wide array of topics that can be deemed "controversial".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is controversial" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe something that is subject to disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure to provide context and evidence to support the claim. Alternatives include phrases like "is disputed" or "is debatable", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Avoid overusing the phrase without proper justification. Overall, the expression maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is contentious

Focuses on the aspect of argument and disagreement, often implying a more heated debate.

is subject to debate

Directly states that the topic is actively being discussed and argued.

is disputed

Emphasizes that the statement or idea is not universally accepted and is actively challenged.

is debatable

Highlights that there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.

is questionable

Suggests uncertainty or doubt about the validity or correctness of something.

is contentious territory

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for conflict surrounding the topic.

raises concerns

Indicates that the topic causes worry or unease among certain people.

is under scrutiny

Suggests that the topic is being closely examined, often due to potential issues or problems.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the ambiguity and possibility of differing viewpoints on the matter.

is a hot topic

Indicates that the topic is currently popular and widely discussed, often with strong opinions involved.

FAQs

How can I use "is controversial" in a sentence?

The phrase "is controversial" is used to indicate that a subject or topic is subject to disagreement or debate. For example, "The new economic policy is controversial due to its potential impact on small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "is controversial"?

Alternatives to "is controversial" include "is contentious", "is disputed", or "is debatable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is controversial" or "raises concerns"?

The choice depends on the context. "Is controversial" suggests active disagreement, while "raises concerns" implies worry or unease. If something "raises concerns", it might not be actively debated, but still causes apprehension.

What makes a topic "controversial"?

A topic becomes "controversial" when there are strong, conflicting opinions and significant disagreement about its validity, morality, or impact. This often involves differing values, beliefs, or interpretations of evidence.