point of dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

"point of dispute" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase when referring to an issue or topic that people are arguing about or disagreeing about. For example: "The point of dispute between the two parties was whether or not to raise taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Another point of dispute centers on Auerbach's motives.

The New Yorker

"That's a huge point of dispute between the C.H.A. and the advisory council," he said.

The New York Times

Outsourcing has been a frequent point of dispute for organized labour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A point of dispute between England and France, the island became permanently British in 1783.

The Washington Post

How literally Adams intended his prediction remains a point of dispute.

Britannica

Its impact on the water and sewer system has been a point of dispute, too.

The New York Times

Whether the UK's supreme court is genuinely supreme is a point of dispute.

The Guardian

Even the origins of "High Noon" are a point of dispute.

The New York Times

The federal issue is also "actually disputed" here—indeed, on the merits, it is the central point of dispute.

Cornell University

It's not a point of dispute, though, that Peel is a class traitor of the socially downward kind.

The Guardian

A. The talking points were prepared by American intelligence agencies, but exactly who may have edited them and why remains a point of dispute.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point of dispute", ensure that the context clearly identifies the parties involved in the disagreement to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "point of dispute" when the disagreement is broad and multifaceted. This phrase is best suited for pinpointing specific, identifiable issues rather than general disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of dispute" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue or topic that is the cause of disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of dispute" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that pinpoints a specific issue causing disagreement. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and high prevalence in diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources. Related phrases like "matter of contention" or "area of disagreement" offer nuanced alternatives, and understanding the phrase's proper application—avoiding its use for broad, ill-defined disagreements—is crucial for effective communication. This phrase serves to focus attention on the core of a disagreement, promoting clearer discussion and facilitating potential resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of disagreement

Directly indicates a specific subject where agreement is lacking.

area of contention

Highlights a specific aspect that is being disputed.

subject of debate

Focuses on the topic being discussed and argued.

matter of contention

Highlights the subject under debate or argument.

matter at issue

Emphasizes the central point of disagreement that needs resolution.

bone of contention

Emphasizes the cause of an argument or disagreement.

point of argument

Directly refers to a specific claim or statement being argued.

source of conflict

Identifies the origin or cause of a dispute.

cause of discord

Highlights the reason behind disharmony or disagreement.

issue in question

Draws attention to a specific problem or matter being considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "point of dispute" to highlight a specific issue causing disagreement. For example, "The main point of dispute is whether the company should prioritize short-term profits or long-term sustainability."

What's a more formal alternative to "point of dispute"?

A more formal alternative could be "matter of contention" or "area of disagreement". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is "point of dispute" the same as "point of conflict"?

While similar, "point of dispute" typically refers to a specific issue being debated, whereas "point of conflict" might imply a broader area of disagreement or struggle.

What phrases are similar to "point of dispute"?

Similar phrases include "bone of contention", "issue in question", and "matter at issue", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the disagreement.