object of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to describe an issue that people disagree about or that is the focus of an argument. For example: "The proposed tax increase has become an object of contention in the city council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The content of the laws of progress, however, is an object of contention.

SEP

Now, the team has been turned into an object of contention and, to some, shame.

The New York Times

When you become an object of contention, try to neutralize the conflict.

The New Yorker

Why must a prize for women's writing be the single object of contention?

The New York Times

In 1592 the Baltic lands became an object of contention between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden.

Britannica

But like most things in Jerusalem, the Bridge of Strings, as it is known, has become an object of contention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The opposition often reflects America's complicated attitudes toward the Middle East, in which passions run high and even basic facts are treated as objects of contention.

The New York Times

In November she was abruptly fired after 29 years, a departure that is one in a series of unsettling developments that have turned what are among the most popular museums west of the Mississippi into objects of contention and anxiety.

The New York Times - Arts

The Senate removed the fund, which had become an object of much contention.

The New York Times

It was fortified by the Visconti family in the 14th century and was an object of continuous contention until it became a countship in 1647.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For centuries, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on the site where tradition has it that Jesus was buried, has been the object of fierce contention among the Greek Orthodox, the Roman Catholics and the churches of Armenia, Egypt (Coptic), Syria and Ethiopia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "object of contention" to clearly identify something that is a source of disagreement or argument. It is particularly effective when the disagreement is prolonged or significant.

Common error

Avoid using "object of contention" for minor disagreements. This phrase implies a substantial and ongoing dispute, so reserve it for situations where the disagreement is significant and has lasting implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes something that is a source of disagreement or dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies a focus of argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "object of contention" is a useful way to describe something that is the source of disagreement or dispute. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedia, and science contexts. While alternatives like "topic of contention" or "matter of contention" can be used, it is important to reserve the phrase for significant disagreements rather than minor issues. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it ideal for analytical discussions. It effectively conveys the idea of a sustained and often public conflict, indicating that the identified thing is not settled and requires attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic of contention

Focuses on the subject being disputed rather than the object itself.

matter of contention

Emphasizes the issue or subject that causes disagreement.

bone of contention

Uses a metaphor to describe the cause of the dispute.

focus of contention

Highlights the central point or issue that is being argued.

point of contention

Pinpoints a specific aspect or detail that is being debated.

area of contention

Refers to a broader subject or field where disagreements exist.

source of conflict

Identifies the origin or reason for a disagreement or struggle.

subject of debate

Indicates that something is being discussed and argued.

issue in dispute

Highlights that there is a disagreement or quarrel over something.

matter of discord

Emphasizes the lack of agreement and harmony surrounding a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "object of contention" in a sentence?

You can use "object of contention" to describe anything that is the focus of a significant disagreement. For example, "The new policy quickly became an "object of contention" between the management and the employees".

What's a good alternative to "object of contention"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "matter of contention", "bone of contention", or "point of contention" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a point of contention" instead of "object of contention"?

Yes, "a point of contention" is a perfectly valid alternative. While "object of contention" refers to the overall thing being disputed, "a point of contention" refers to a specific issue within that dispute.

What makes something an "object of contention" rather than simply a disagreement?

The term "object of contention" implies a sustained and often public disagreement, involving multiple parties and significant stakes. It's more than a simple difference of opinion; it's a conflict that requires resolution.