Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it is controversial whether
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "it is controversial whether" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when there is a debate or disagreement over a particular issue. For example: "It is controversial whether people should be allowed to keep exotic pets in their homes."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Encyclopedias
Surgical Case Reports
Alternative expressions(16)
artificial intelligence
it is debatable whether
it is disputed whether
it is unclear whether
it is questionable whether
it is uncertain whether
it is disputable whether
it is dubious whether
it is contestable whether
it is arguable whether
it is problematic whether
it is contentious whether
it is contested whether
it is unknown whether
it is unsure whether
it is ambiguous whether
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
And it is controversial whether preferences are inherited or transmitted.
Science
It is controversial whether or not performing repeat metastasectomy from PDAC is of oncological benefit.
Science
It is controversial whether to plan single-stage or two-stage surgery.
Science
It is controversial whether psychopaths are insane according to the standard set by the M'Naughten rules since it is controversial whether psychopaths know that their actions are wrong.
Science
Of course, it is controversial whether any of these arguments succeed, because it is controversial whether the alleged counterexamples to the supervenience claims are really possible.
Science
It is controversial whether rhodopsin forms oligomers and whether oligomers are functionally relevant.
Science
It is controversial whether antidepressants could improve cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia patients.
Science
It is controversial whether such claims are justifiable (see Radick 2005 for a recent attempt).
Science
It is controversial whether there is any such thing as narrow content.
Science
It is controversial whether the skeptics Diogenes has in mind claim this ancestry.
Science
(It is controversial whether tort really lives up to this principle in practice).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it is controversial whether", ensure you provide context for the controversy. Briefly mention the different viewpoints or the reasons for the debate to give the reader a clearer understanding.
Common error
Avoid using "it is controversial whether" for minor disagreements or personal opinions. Reserve it for situations where there is genuine and significant debate within a relevant field or community.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it is controversial whether" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for a discussion of a contested point. It explicitly indicates that there is significant disagreement or debate surrounding the issue that follows. Ludwig AI shows that this pattern is primarily used to flag disagreements within academic and scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
78%
Encyclopedias
12%
Formal & Business
3%
Less common in
News & Media
2%
Surgical Case Reports
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it is controversial whether" serves as a crucial linguistic tool to introduce topics characterized by disagreement or uncertainty, mostly in the field of science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. When employing this phrase, aim to give a brief context of different views to make the reader understand the controversy. While alternatives such as "it is disputed whether" or "it is debatable whether" may be used, remember to avoid overstating a subject as genuinely 'controversial' if it represents a personal opinion or negligible disagreement. "It is controversial whether" is best used when discussing significant, substantiated debates.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it is debatable whether
Replaces "controversial" with "debatable", suggesting a topic open to argument.
it is disputed whether
Uses "disputed" to indicate a disagreement or challenge to a statement.
it is questionable whether
Employs "questionable" to express doubt or uncertainty about something.
it is uncertain whether
Substitutes "controversial" with "uncertain", highlighting a lack of clarity.
there is controversy surrounding whether
Highlights the contentious nature of the topic.
the point of whether is contentious
Directly states that the issue in question is a point of contention.
the subject of whether is under debate
Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the discussion.
there is disagreement about whether
Focuses on the existence of a difference of opinion.
the issue of whether is unresolved
Indicates that there is no consensus or clear answer.
opinions diverge regarding whether
Emphasizes the variety of viewpoints on the matter.
FAQs
How can I use "it is controversial whether" in a sentence?
Use "it is controversial whether" to introduce a topic where there's significant disagreement. For example, "It is controversial whether "artificial intelligence" will ultimately benefit or harm humanity".
What are some alternatives to "it is controversial whether"?
You can use phrases like "it is debatable whether", "it is disputed whether", or "there is disagreement about whether" to express similar meanings.
Is it better to use "it is controversial whether" or "it is debatable whether"?
Both "it is controversial whether" and "it is debatable whether" are suitable, but "controversial" suggests a stronger level of disagreement and potentially more emotional investment in the different sides of the issue.
What's the difference between "it is controversial whether" and "it is unclear whether"?
"It is controversial whether" indicates active disagreement, while "it is unclear whether" suggests a lack of sufficient information or evidence to form a solid conclusion. The first implies disagreement, the second implies uncertainty.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested