main controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most significant disagreement or debate surrounding a particular issue or topic. Example: "The main controversy surrounding the new policy is its potential impact on employee privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

You could say that isn't the main controversy in Kids and Guns (Channel 4), though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The main controversy: Erskine's endorsement of reading classics in translation, void of secondary sources or more traditional introductions.

Columbia University

But the main controversy highlighted in the study concerns the age at which girls are first invited for screening.

The Guardian

The main controversy over the Five Percent Nation has been its supposed links to gang activities and prison inmates.

Britannica

The main controversy, however, involves whether and when to start taking bone-loss drugs, whose side effects can include gastrointestinal and other problems.

The New York Times

AM Homes's May We Be Forgiven won in the end, but the main controversy surrounded the inclusion of Hilary Mantel on the shortlist.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

While it appears that the main controversies surrounding Bosman have been resolved, the corollaries are far from being settled.

Columbia University

A brief review of the major developments in clinical reading tests is provided, followed by a discussion of some of the main controversies in clinical reading assessment.

Vision Research

Indeed, the question of how fully one should adjust for such factors is one of the main controversies surrounding the Dartmouth research.

The New York Times

However, the main controversies surrounding the film have stemmed from Tarantino's ongoing feud with police and conservative media over his attack on alleged US police brutality at a New York rally on 24 October.

The Guardian - Film

One of the main controversies stemming from the Daily Telegraph's sting on the former England manager Sam Allardyce centred on his comment about how easy it remains to circumvent Fifa's rules on TPO, having claimed to have achieved exactly that when West Ham signed Enner Valencia from the Mexican side Pachuca.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main controversy", ensure it's clear what the controversy relates to by providing specific context or background information.

Common error

Avoid using "main controversy" in overly simplistic contexts where a more straightforward term like "issue" or "problem" would suffice. Choose the wording based on the gravity and complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the central disagreement or dispute concerning a particular topic. Ludwig examples show it's used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main controversy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to denote the central point of disagreement in a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writings. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context is clear and the level of formality is appropriate. When writing, remember to consider synonyms like "key dispute" or "primary issue" for variety and precision. Avoid overuse in simplistic situations where a more direct term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key dispute

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, replacing "controversy" with a more direct term for a dispute.

major point of contention

Emphasizes the contentious nature of the issue, using a more formal tone.

central debate

Highlights the discussion aspect, suitable when the controversy involves a formal debate.

primary issue

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the core problem or subject of disagreement.

core disagreement

Directly points to the fundamental disagreement at the heart of the matter.

chief bone of contention

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight the primary cause of the dispute.

principal conflict

Emphasizes the clashing aspects of the controversy, suitable for situations involving opposing forces.

leading source of discord

Focuses on the disharmony caused by the controversy.

major bone of contention

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight the primary cause of the dispute.

central point of issue

Directly points to the fundamental issue at the heart of the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "main controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "main controversy" to highlight the central disagreement in a situation. For example, "The "main controversy" surrounding the new policy is its potential impact on employee privacy."

What are some alternatives to saying "main controversy"?

Alternatives include "key dispute", "major point of contention", or "primary issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "main controversy" or "major controversy"?

"Main controversy" and "major controversy" are often interchangeable, but "main" suggests the central or most important controversy, while "major" implies a significant or large-scale controversy. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "main controversy" and "secondary controversy"?

"Main controversy" refers to the primary or most significant dispute, while "secondary controversy" indicates a less important or subordinate dispute related to the same overall issue.