it is contentious whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is contentious whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic that is subject to disagreement or debate, indicating that there are differing opinions on the matter. Example: "In the field of climate science, it is contentious whether human activity is the primary driver of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is contentious whether nursing home acquired pneumonia (NHAP) should be treated as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or health care associated pneumonia.

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association

However, it is contentious whether this intuition can be preserved on a view according to which one's evidence consists of one's knowledge.

SEP

According to this line of thought, defended by Hilary Putnam, our empirically best-supported scientific theories commit us to mathematical entities; ergo, we are entitled to believe in such entities (Putnam 1971).[14] However, it is contentious whether our best-supported empirical theories do commit us to abstract mathematical entities.

SEP

However, it is contentious whether reducing the frequency of treatments with the use of SAT will increase the likelihood that Strongylus vulgaris will complete its life cycle [ 24, 28, 33, 34].

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is contentious, however, whether lost (leisure) time should be measured in terms of costs or effects [ 23, 24, 48, 49].

BMC Geriatrics

It is contentious as to whether fluorescence studies are true representative of absorption by specific fluorescent compounds present, particularly in the aging lenses.

BMC Ophthalmology

It is contentious and stressful.

The New York Times

It has been contentious whether this material represents just a single taxon.

Wikipedia

It has been contentious whether these are independent processes [4], [10] or whether they are manifestations of the same biological process [6].

Plosone

Although lymph node metastases are important prognostic parameters, it has been contentious whether a pelvic lymph node dissection itself has a prognostic impact in the treatment of endometrial cancer, especially in endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

BMC Cancer

My understanding is that is had been contentious whether CHL1 (NRT1) and PTRs are MFS transporters until the POT structures came out.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is contentious whether" to introduce a topic where there are strong, differing opinions or evidence on both sides. This alerts the reader to the lack of consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "it is contentious whether" when the matter is largely settled or only disputed by a small minority. Ensure there's genuine debate and evidence to warrant the characterization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is contentious whether" serves as an introductory clause that presents a topic subject to disagreement or debate. Ludwig examples show its usage to preface nuanced discussions where opinions or evidence diverge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It is contentious whether" is a phrase used to introduce topics characterized by significant disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts, such as academic writing, news reporting, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "it is debatable whether" or "there is disagreement about whether" exist, "it is contentious whether" clearly signals the presence of conflicting viewpoints and the need for careful consideration of the evidence. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the topic genuinely warrants such characterization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debatable whether

Replaces "contentious" with "debatable", suggesting the issue is open to discussion.

it is disputed whether

Substitutes "contentious" with "disputed", implying an active disagreement.

there is disagreement about whether

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the presence of disagreement.

it is a matter of debate whether

Replaces "contentious" with "a matter of debate", suggesting a formal discussion.

it is arguable whether

Suggests the issue can be supported by arguments but is not definitively resolved.

the subject of whether is under debate

Emphasizes that the specific issue is actively being debated.

it is open to question whether

Indicates that the issue is not settled and can be challenged.

it remains uncertain if

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty surrounding the issue.

the question of whether remains open

Highlights the unresolved nature of the question.

there is controversy surrounding whether

Highlights the presence of widespread disagreement and potentially conflicting viewpoints.

FAQs

What does "it is contentious whether" mean?

The phrase "it is contentious whether" indicates that there is significant disagreement or debate surrounding a particular question or issue. It suggests that different people or groups hold conflicting views and that the matter is not easily resolved.

How can I use "it is contentious whether" in a sentence?

You can use "it is contentious whether" to introduce a topic or issue that is subject to debate. For example, "It is contentious whether reducing the frequency of treatments with the use of SAT will increase the likelihood that Strongylus vulgaris will complete its life cycle."

What are some alternatives to "it is contentious whether"?

You can use alternatives like "it is debatable whether", "it is disputed whether", or "there is disagreement about whether".

Is "it is contentious whether" formal or informal?

"It is contentious whether" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. It may not be appropriate for casual conversation.