longstanding dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longstanding dispute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disagreement or conflict that has persisted for a significant period of time. Example: "The longstanding dispute between the two countries has hindered diplomatic relations for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The new tree bears on a longstanding dispute about the rise of birds and mammals.

The New York Times - Science

To at least one Connecticut legislator, the longstanding dispute is not a pretty sight.

The New York Times

What if the crisis could provide an unexpected opportunity to resolve this longstanding dispute?

The Guardian - Opinion

That settles the longstanding dispute over the inclusion of gays that had prevented the bill's passage.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton now seems eager to offer American help in resolving the longstanding dispute.

The New York Times

Both come to office after their countries' relations deteriorated over a longstanding dispute over a set of islets.

The New York Times

This week's talks were focused on a longstanding dispute over the Siachen Glacier in the Himalayan mountains.

The New York Times

(There are some other "controls"; if you have a longstanding dispute, for instance, your spouse is informed).

The New Yorker

It is possible that she believes taking a controversial step toward resolving a longstanding dispute will raise Argentina's international profile.

The New York Times

This is uninhabited, except for scientists, is surrounded by rich fisheries and is the subject of a longstanding dispute.

The Guardian

Chew, but Chew Wisely Please settle a longstanding dispute between my daughter and me: Is it socially acceptable to chew gum in public?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "longstanding dispute", ensure the context clearly indicates the parties involved and the subject of the dispute. Providing a brief historical background can enhance clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "longstanding dispute" when the disagreement is relatively recent or minor. Opt for phrases like "recent disagreement" or "current issue" to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longstanding dispute" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe various types of disagreements, from international conflicts to personal quarrels. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longstanding dispute" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a disagreement or conflict that has persisted for a significant period. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in news and media to report on various types of conflicts, from international relations to personal matters. Its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide clear context about the parties involved and the subject of the dispute to ensure clarity. While "longstanding dispute" is generally accepted and widely used, it is important to choose the most accurate and contextually appropriate phrase, avoiding overuse in situations where the conflict is recent or minor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted disagreement

Replaces "dispute" with "disagreement" and "longstanding" with "protracted", emphasizing the extended duration.

enduring conflict

Substitutes "dispute" with "conflict" and "longstanding" with "enduring", highlighting the ongoing nature of the issue.

ongoing feud

Replaces "dispute" with "feud", implying a more personal and often bitter conflict; suitable for less formal contexts.

historical contention

Substitutes "longstanding" with "historical" and "dispute" with "contention", providing a more formal and academic tone.

unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the duration of the dispute.

persistent controversy

Emphasizes the element of public debate and disagreement.

lingering disagreement

Highlights that the disagreement continues to exist, though perhaps less intensely.

deep-seated conflict

Emphasizes the intensity and fundamental nature of the conflict.

established quarrel

Indicates the dispute has been in place for some time, perhaps with a more personal tone than the original.

old antagonism

Suggests a long-history of hostility and opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "longstanding dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "longstanding dispute" to describe a conflict that has persisted for a significant amount of time. For instance, "The "longstanding dispute" between the two nations has hindered diplomatic relations for decades."

What are some alternatives to "longstanding dispute"?

Alternatives include "protracted disagreement", "enduring conflict", or "ongoing feud" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "longstanding dispute" in formal writing?

Yes, "longstanding dispute" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and legal documents. It accurately describes a conflict that has existed for a considerable time.

What's the difference between "longstanding dispute" and "recent disagreement"?

"Longstanding dispute" implies that the conflict has been ongoing for a significant period, while "recent disagreement" suggests it is a new or relatively recent issue. The choice depends on the actual duration of the conflict.