is disputable

USAGE SUMMARY

"is disputable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is open to argument or dispute. For example, "The existence of God is disputable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The claim is disputable, the act indefensible.

The Guardian

This latter point, however, is disputable.

Independent

Whether or not that included a sexual relationship is disputable.

The New York Times - Books

Who filibustered more — the Democrats under Bush, or the Republicans under Obama — is disputable.

The New Yorker

Reproducing full articles is probably an infringement; providing excerpts is disputable.

Stanford University

Moreover, the claim that economic interdependence automatically ameliorates the chances of conflict is disputable.

Britannica

The utility of species richness hotspots for conservation planning is disputable.

Biological Conservation

(Whether there was a more general westward diaspora of Magi, members of the Persian religious caste, is disputable).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the claim is disputable, for his reputation, which goes back more than 20 years, is primarily for stick figures, that is, figures made of sticks.

The New York Times

Congress's power to mandate purchase of private products sold at a profit is disputable, but Congress's power to tax is not.

The New York Times

There is no third figure to compete with Shylock and Fagin, not even Joyce's Poldy Bloom, whose Jewishness is disputable anyway, marvelous as he is.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is disputable" when you want to suggest that a statement or claim is not definitively settled and can be challenged with evidence or arguments.

Common error

While "is disputable" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "is questionable" or "is debatable" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is disputable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or clause to indicate that the truth or validity of the subject is open to question or debate. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it often preceeds a subject that can be argued or challenged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is disputable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a claim or statement is open to debate or question. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While frequently encountered, it's wise to diversify your writing by employing synonyms like "is questionable" or "is debatable" to avoid repetition. Remember, "is disputable" suggests a reasoned possibility of disagreement, distinguishing it from stronger terms like "is controversial" which implies heated debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is questionable

Implies doubt or uncertainty about the validity or truth of something.

is debatable

Suggests that something is open to argument and discussion.

is open to debate

Directly states that something is available for discussion and argument.

is arguable

Indicates that there are valid arguments on both sides of an issue.

is up for discussion

Similar to "is open to debate", but may suggest a more informal setting.

is contestable

Highlights that something can be challenged or disputed.

is controversial

Emphasizes that something causes disagreement or public debate.

is contentious

Suggests that something is likely to cause an argument or dispute.

is uncertain

Focuses on the lack of definitive knowledge or evidence.

is doubtful

Expresses skepticism or a lack of confidence in something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is disputable" is used to indicate that a particular point or statement is not definitively settled and is open to debate or disagreement. For example, "Whether economic interdependence automatically reduces conflict "is debatable"".

What are some alternatives to using "is disputable"?

Alternatives to "is disputable" include "is questionable", "is debatable", "is arguable", and "is contestable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is disputable" or "is indisputable"?

"Is disputable" means that something is open to argument or doubt, while "is indisputable" means that something is beyond question or doubt. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "is disputable" and "is controversial"?

While both terms suggest disagreement, "is disputable" implies that there are valid arguments on both sides of an issue. "Is controversial" suggests that something causes strong opinions and often heated public debate.