it is highly contested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly contested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic, issue, or idea that is the subject of significant disagreement or debate. Example: "The validity of the research findings is highly contested among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These are terms of art, and it is highly contested which views count as realist and which as antirealist.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I called the exhibition The F Word because by then I knew that forgiveness was a messy business; it was highly contested territory and seemed to inspire and affront in equal measure.

Huffington Post

Though the bill passed the Legislature with bipartisan support, it was highly contested by prosecutors and law enforcement officials who argue that the bill causes damage in an effort to fix what's not broken.

Huffington Post

Sex work is a hot topic, not least because the legal model with which it should be governed is highly contested.

Vice

We note, however, that the exact form of the decay and its dependence on memory load is highly contested within the visual working memory community.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

"The refinery is highly contested, and there's a committed effort by [IS] to take it over," a senior US military official told VICE News about the fight at the Baiji refinery, about 150 miles north of Baghdad.

Vice

"You have a mayoral race that is highly contested.

The New York Times

Today, the legacy of Al Andalus is highly contested.

The New York Times

Even the definition of "forest" is highly contested.For these and other reasons, environmentalists caution against optimism.

The Economist

Whether the inbuilt chemical protection of such genetically modified crops has reduced the use of pesticide is highly contested.

The Economist

Mohamad is an undocumented asylum seeker who mispronounced three words in an "accent test" – the UK Border Agency's language analysis is highly contested, and as a legal tool for removal, incredibly shonky.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using this phrase as a standalone statement. Always follow up with specific examples or evidence to support the claim that the topic is contested.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "it is highly contested" without providing any evidence or explanation. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced. Always support your claim with specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly contested" functions as a qualifier or descriptor, indicating that a particular issue, claim, or idea is subject to significant debate or disagreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

58%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is highly contested" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for signaling disagreement and debate within various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Analysis of its usage reveals that it is most frequently encountered in Science and News & Media, reflecting its role in highlighting areas of uncertainty or controversy. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, providing specific context about the nature of the disagreement and the parties involved is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "it is hotly debated" or "it is widely disputed" can add nuance, but "it is highly contested" remains a versatile and reliable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is hotly debated

Changes the intensity and vocabulary while keeping the core meaning of active disagreement.

it is widely disputed

Focuses on the widespread nature of the disagreement.

it is subject to considerable debate

Highlights the debate aspect and introduces a more formal tone.

it remains a point of contention

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the disagreement.

there is significant disagreement about it

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the existence of disagreement.

views on it are sharply divided

Indicates a clear division in opinions.

it is a matter of controversy

Highlights the controversial nature of the topic.

it is open to question

Suggests that the topic is not settled and still being questioned.

it is not universally accepted

Focuses on the lack of universal agreement.

opinions on it are polarized

Suggests that opinions are at opposite ends of a spectrum with little middle ground.

FAQs

What does "it is highly contested" mean?

The phrase "it is highly contested" means that a particular topic, idea, or statement is the subject of significant disagreement or debate. There are differing opinions and substantial arguments on both sides.

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

You can use "it is highly contested" to introduce a topic where there is significant disagreement. For example, "The effectiveness of this policy "it is highly contested" among economists."

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

Some alternatives to "it is highly contested" include "it is hotly debated", "it is widely disputed", or "it remains a point of contention".

Is "it is highly contested" a formal or informal phrase?

"It is highly contested" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on your audience, you may choose a more specific or nuanced alternative. In very formal writing, "it is subject to considerable debate" may be more appropriate.