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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it is controversial whether

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is controversial whether preferences are inherited or transmitted.

Science

SEP

It is controversial whether or not performing repeat metastasectomy from PDAC is of oncological benefit.

It is controversial whether to plan single-stage or two-stage surgery.

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

SEP

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

SEP

It is controversial whether rhodopsin forms oligomers and whether oligomers are functionally relevant.

Science

Structure

It is controversial whether antidepressants could improve cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

It is controversial whether such claims are justifiable (see Radick 2005 for a recent attempt).

Science

SEP

It is controversial whether there is any such thing as narrow content.

Science

SEP

It is controversial whether the skeptics Diogenes has in mind claim this ancestry.

Science

SEP

(It is controversial whether tort really lives up to this principle in practice).

Science

SEP
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

79%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: