major controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant disagreement or dispute that has garnered public attention or debate. Example: "The decision to build the new highway sparked a major controversy among local residents and environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then there's South African athletes and major controversy.

Independent

The fund's assessment stirred major controversy in the rarefied world of international economics.

The New York Times

It can seem that the court is prepared to decide every major controversy in American life.

The New York Times

Its first major controversy, in 1997, involved a donation from Bernie Ecclestone, a motor-racing tycoon.

The Economist

His treatment during 19 months of incarceration set off a major controversy.

The New York Times

The ho-hum Giants have managed to avoid any major controversy heading into this season.

The New York Times - Sports

This is by no means the first time rap has fueled major controversy in France.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet others - infamously Ford at Dagenham - have got going only after major controversy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This figure may spark yet another major controversy on the issues of policing and justice in the region.

The Guardian

At a typical institution of higher learning, a sighting like that might not have turned into a major controversy.

The New York Times

Years later, when Rehnquist was nominated as chief justice, his work for Jackson caused a major controversy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major controversy" when you want to emphasize the significant public attention and debate surrounding a disagreement or issue. It's suitable when the dispute has broader implications beyond a simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "major controversy" for minor disagreements or disputes that haven't garnered significant public attention. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels a specific situation involving significant public disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major controversy" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a significant public disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure the dispute is significant and has broad public attention. Alternatives like "significant dispute" or "intense debate" can provide more specific nuances depending on the intended emphasis. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, as it can weaken its impact and sound hyperbolic. The usage is mostly factual and journalistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant dispute

Emphasizes the element of disagreement or contention, downplaying the public attention aspect.

serious contention

Highlights the contentious nature of the issue, suggesting a strong disagreement.

intense debate

Focuses on the discussion and arguments surrounding the issue, rather than the disagreement itself.

public outcry

Highlights the public's negative reaction to an event or decision.

heated disagreement

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the disagreement.

fierce opposition

Highlights the strong resistance or disapproval directed at something.

widespread disapproval

Focuses on the general negative sentiment towards an issue.

notable scandal

Shifts the focus to potentially unethical or illegal behavior causing public embarrassment.

bitter dispute

Emphasizes the acrimonious nature and personal animosity involved in the disagreement.

raging argument

Highlights an ongoing and possibly uncontrolled or volatile disagreement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "major controversy" in a sentence?

Use "major controversy" to describe events or decisions that have spurred significant public disagreement and debate. For instance, "The government's new policy sparked a "major controversy" among citizens." Ensure the situation genuinely warrants such a strong description.

What phrases can I use instead of "major controversy"?

Alternatives include "significant dispute", "serious contention", or "intense debate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize disagreement, contentiousness, or discussion.

Is there a difference between "major controversy" and "minor disagreement"?

Yes, "major controversy" implies a widespread and significant public dispute, while "minor disagreement" suggests a smaller, less impactful difference of opinion. Using "major controversy" inappropriately for a trivial issue would be an exaggeration.

When is it appropriate to use "major controversy" in journalistic writing?

In journalistic writing, use "major controversy" when reporting on issues that have generated significant public attention, debate, and often, widespread disagreement. Ensure the scale and impact of the dispute justify the label to maintain objectivity and avoid sensationalism.