point of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

"point of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to something that people disagree about. For example: "The exact route of the new highway has become a major point of contention between the two towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One possible point of contention is price.

The New York Times

Was that a point of contention?

The New York Times

Flash photography is another point of contention.

The New York Times - Arts

A big point of contention is — surprise!

The New York Times

Cigarette sales present another point of contention.

The New York Times

Clothing was also a point of contention.

Independent

The biggest point of contention?

The New York Times

"That's the point of contention," he said.

The New York Times

It remains a point of contention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Judging remains a point of contention.

The New York Times - Sports

It became a constant point of contention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point of contention" to clearly identify a specific issue or aspect that is causing disagreement or argument. It helps to focus the discussion and understand the different perspectives involved.

Common error

Avoid using "point of contention" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "matter of dispute" or "area of disagreement" to keep your text engaging and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific issue or item that is the cause of disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, providing numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of contention" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to identify a specific source of disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also suitable for science and business writing. To enhance your writing, use "point of contention" to pinpoint specific issues and consider varying your language with synonyms like "matter of dispute" or "area of disagreement" to avoid repetition. When in doubt, always consult reliable sources and examples to ensure correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of contention

Slightly more formal synonym.

bone of contention

Emphasizes a long-standing and often emotional dispute.

matter of dispute

Highlights the aspect of disagreement without necessarily implying strong emotion.

area of disagreement

A neutral and straightforward way to describe a difference in opinion.

issue in question

Focuses on a specific problem or subject under consideration.

subject of debate

Highlights the argumentative nature of the topic.

source of conflict

Emphasizes the potential for friction or hostility.

point of issue

More formal and direct way of saying something is disputed.

point of friction

Emphasizes the tension and potential for problems.

area of controversy

Highlights public disagreement or polarizing opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "point of contention" to indicate a specific issue causing disagreement. For example, "The budget proposal became a major "point of contention" during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "point of contention"?

Alternatives include "matter of dispute", "area of disagreement", or "bone of contention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "point of contention" formal or informal?

"Point of contention" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using "matter of dispute" as a slightly more elevated alternative.

What's the difference between "point of contention" and "point of debate"?

"Point of contention" refers to a specific issue causing disagreement, while "point of debate" refers to a topic that is being discussed and argued about. A "point of debate" may or may not be a "point of contention".