it is contested whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is contested whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that is subject to debate or disagreement among experts or scholars. Example: "In the field of climate science, it is contested whether human activity is the primary driver of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is contested whether Locke actually believed in substance as a characterless substratum.

SEP

However, it is contested whether a distributive pattern that eliminates the influence of luck can be described.

SEP

Works of art result from an intention directed at their creation (although in exceptional cases of conceptual art, this directedness may involve many intermediate steps) but it is contested whether artists include in their intentions concerning their work an intention that the work serves some purpose.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Still, it is contested issue whether or not the doctrine can be deduced or otherwise inferred from the Christian Bible, so we must turn to it.

SEP

You do not have -- until it is contested, you do not have contested ballots.

The New York Times

Now, you take that certification until it is contested.

The New York Times

It is contested among ten teams from Australia and New Zealand.

Wikipedia

Currently, as shown in this article, it can be contested whether these requirements are met in low resource settings.

Global Health Action

It was contested in early January following the 1960 69 seasons.

Wikipedia

In addition, the extent to which a policy issue is contested and, whether stakeholders share similar opinions and preferences will impact the uptake of evidence.

BMC Health Services Research

However, it is unclear how frequently carcass ownership is contested in natural populations.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is contested whether" to introduce a point where different opinions or evidence exist, creating a balanced and objective tone in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it is contested whether" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more conversational alternatives like "there's debate about" or "it's not clear if" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is contested whether" serves as an introductory clause that signals uncertainty or disagreement regarding a particular issue. This construction sets the stage for presenting multiple perspectives or exploring different possible outcomes. Ludwig shows this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is contested whether" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce topics under debate. Ludwig confirms this phrase is best suited for formal and scientific contexts where objective discussion is paramount. While not incorrect, the phrase may sound too formal in informal conversations, and more relaxed alternatives may be preferred. The phrase is found most often in scientific and news sources, indicating its suitability for presenting complex and potentially controversial information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debated whether

Replaces "contested" with "debated", suggesting a more formal discussion.

it is disputed whether

Substitutes "contested" with "disputed", indicating a challenge to the validity of a claim.

there is disagreement about whether

Changes the structure to emphasize the presence of disagreement.

there is controversy over whether

Highlights the controversial nature of the issue at hand.

it is a matter of debate whether

Highlights that it is something being actively debated.

it is uncertain whether

Replaces "contested" with "uncertain", focusing on the lack of certainty.

the matter is in dispute as to whether

Introduces a more formal and legalistic tone.

the question remains whether

Emphasizes that the issue is still unresolved.

it's questionable if

A more informal way to introduce uncertainty.

doubts exist regarding whether

Focuses on the existence of doubts about a certain fact.

FAQs

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

Use "it is contested whether" to introduce a topic or idea that is subject to disagreement or debate. For example, "It is contested whether the new policy will actually improve the situation".

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

Alternatives include "it is debated whether", "it is disputed whether", or "there is disagreement about whether", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is contested whether" formal or informal?

It leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, you might prefer phrases like "it's not clear if" or "there's some debate about".

What's the difference between "it is contested whether" and "it is uncertain whether"?

"It is contested whether" implies active disagreement or debate, whereas "it is uncertain whether" suggests a lack of definitive knowledge or evidence without necessarily implying active opposition.