politically contentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "politically contentious" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a subject, issue, or idea that is controversial or likely to cause disagreement and debate among people with different political beliefs or affiliations. Example: The government's decision to increase taxes on the wealthy was politically contentious, with opposition parties arguing it would harm the economy while supporters claimed it was necessary for social justice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Policing is a politically contentious matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The issue is already a politically contentious one.

The New York Times

None of these nominations were politically contentious — until now.

The New York Times

They are sexually graphic, or violent, or politically contentious.

The Guardian - Arts

They are less effective when it comes to politically contentious questions.

The Economist

IT IS not only in America and other rich countries that free trade is politically contentious.

The Economist

Some voters give them credit for campaigning on a politically contentious issue.

The New York Times

Then think about the context and whether the issue is politically contentious.

The Guardian

He has become strikingly cautious, avoiding on-the-record comments on many politically contentious issues.

The New York Times

The move to promote Kashmir as a golfing destination has been politically contentious.

The New York Times

And the more that European lenders get embroiled in Spain's public finances, the more politically contentious it may become.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly. While "politically contentious" is generally neutral, its impact can vary depending on the reader's background and beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "politically contentious" as a catch-all phrase for any disagreement. Ensure that the issue genuinely involves political principles, policies, or power dynamics, not just personal disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "politically contentious" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun, describing it as something that causes or is likely to cause disagreement and debate, especially in a political context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "politically contentious" is a frequently used and grammatically sound way to describe issues or subjects that generate significant disagreement and debate within the political arena. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily within news and media, encyclopedias, and science. While alternatives like "politically controversial" or "politically sensitive" exist, "politically contentious" directly highlights the presence of conflict and differing opinions. When employing this phrase, remember to provide specific context to clearly identify the parties or ideologies involved in the dispute to avoid ambiguity. Understanding its usage will improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politically controversial

Replaces "contentious" with "controversial", emphasizing the element of dispute and public disagreement.

politically charged

Suggests a situation filled with political tension and emotional intensity.

subject to political debate

Highlights the aspect of being discussed and argued within political circles.

prone to political disagreement

Focuses on the likelihood of political conflict arising from the issue.

politically sensitive

Implies the need for careful handling due to potential political ramifications.

divisive politically

Highlights the capacity of the issue to cause divisions within the political landscape.

politically inflammatory

Indicates the potential to provoke strong political reactions or unrest.

a matter of political dispute

Positions the issue as an ongoing conflict within the political realm.

politically problematic

Suggests that the issue causes difficulties or challenges in the political arena.

open to political interpretation

Emphasizes that the issue is subject to varied perspectives based on political leaning.

FAQs

How can I use "politically contentious" in a sentence?

You can use "politically contentious" to describe issues that cause disagreement among different political groups. For instance: "The debate over immigration reform has become increasingly "politically contentious"."

What's a simpler way to say "politically contentious"?

Alternatives to "politically contentious" include "politically controversial", "subject to political debate", or even simply "controversial" depending on the context.

Is "politically contentious" formal or informal?

"Politically contentious" is considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for news reports, academic papers, and professional discussions. It's less common in very informal settings.

What makes an issue "politically contentious"?

An issue is "politically contentious" when it involves differing opinions or conflicting interests related to governance, policy, or political ideologies. It often triggers debate and disagreement among various political actors.