it is contestable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is contestable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a claim, argument, or point that can be challenged or disputed. Example: "The validity of the research findings is questionable; it is contestable whether the methodology was sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Perhaps a loose criterion for judging the desirability of different market structures is American economist William Baumol's concept of "contestable markets": if a market is easy to enter and to exit, it is "contestable" and hence workably competitive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certainly it is contestable to what extent the public could embrace further demotion of the moral importance of death, and to what extent its limited ability to do so matters for public policy.

SEP

Additionally, it is contestable whether autonomy is the most precious resource for employees [ 28] in the DCM, whereas it is a point of discussion that the ERI model fosters salary and esteem rewards as the main means of compensating job strain.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a complete record of every child or young person the charity has helped, although it's contestable because a) they will help anyone who self-refers, and that includes some who are over 18, and b) the third-largest group is children who may have been born here, but have no legal status or documents.

The Guardian

What makes ours a "secular" age, he writes, is not that it is defined by unbelief, but rather that belief is contestable and contested.

Huffington Post

I am not so sure, however, that the ostensible evaporation of a "consensus" (if it ever existed --a clais that is contestable in and of itself) can be evidenced by the debate surrounding Hobby Lobby.

Huffington Post

On its face this claim is contestable; the associated decisions are highly specific to each case.

SEP

What's extraordinary, though, is that it's true (although the God part is contestable).

The Guardian

As much is contestable.

The Guardian - Books

But Zhang's claim is contestable.

The Guardian

Now, nothing sticks, everything is contestable, and everything is open to disruption, all the time – noisy, choppy, cluttered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is contestable" when you want to introduce an idea or statement that is not universally accepted and can be challenged with evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "it is contestable" in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's debatable" or "it's questionable" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is contestable" functions as an evaluative assertion, indicating that a particular statement, claim, or idea is open to debate, questioning, or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and signals that the subject matter is not definitively settled.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is contestable" is a grammatically sound and semantically precise way to express that a statement is open to debate or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While not as common as alternatives like "it is debatable" or "it is questionable", "it is contestable" finds its niche in formal and academic writing where a nuanced expression of uncertainty is required. Its usage spans various fields, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When aiming for clarity and acknowledging the possibility of alternative viewpoints, "it is contestable" serves as a valuable tool in any writer's arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debatable

Replaces "contestable" with "debatable", suggesting something open to argument.

it is arguable

Substitutes "contestable" with "arguable", implying something can be supported by arguments.

it is questionable

Replaces "contestable" with "questionable", indicating doubt or uncertainty.

it is disputable

Uses "disputable" instead of "contestable", highlighting the possibility of disagreement.

it is challengeable

Emphasizes the ability to challenge the statement or idea.

it is uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty surrounding the issue.

it is open to debate

Highlights that the topic is suitable for discussion and disagreement.

it is under discussion

Suggests the topic is currently being examined and debated.

it is up for debate

Indicates that the topic is available for discussion and disagreement.

the matter is open for discussion

Shifts the focus to the matter itself being available for discussion rather than the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "it is contestable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is contestable" to introduce a claim that is not definitively proven or universally agreed upon. For example, "It is contestable whether the new policy will actually improve outcomes."

What's a less formal alternative to "it is contestable"?

Alternatives like "it is debatable" or "it is questionable" are less formal and may be more appropriate for casual conversation or writing.

Is "it is contestable" the same as "it is contentious"?

While similar, "it is contentious" implies that the issue is likely to cause disagreement or argument, while "it is contestable" simply means that the issue can be disputed or challenged without necessarily being highly controversial.

When is it appropriate to use "it is contestable" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "it is contestable" in academic writing when presenting an argument or interpretation that is open to debate or further investigation. It indicates that your claim is not definitive and acknowledges the possibility of alternative viewpoints.