significant controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant controversy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a disagreement, argument, or dispute that is of great importance or relevance. For example: "The new policy has caused a significant controversy among employers in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The significant controversy isn't whether there is a problem; it's how to address it.

The New York Times - Magazine

He generated significant controversy by devising human cloning procedures as another avenue in treating infertility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those actions, too, generated significant controversy in the Houston control room.

The New York Times

The recent approval of a three-story building drew significant controversy.

The New York Times

It is even a step beyond what is already a significant controversy of the reach of the lobbying commission".

The New York Times

Pietersen's autobiography, in which he launches stinging criticism of numerous people within the English setup, has caused significant controversy since its release.

The Guardian - Sport

By doing so, it would help to fulfill another significant goal: muting any significant controversy over the ground zero project that could disrupt Mr. Pataki's re-election campaign.

The New York Times

In fact, the idea of charging anything at all for health care can generate significant controversy … here and in other Central European countries.

The New York Times

Mr. Bryant has earned millions in product endorsements by fostering a clean-cut image and building a career free of significant controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

However, significant controversy currently exists in this field.

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Significant controversy prevails regarding the issue of relating measured absorptions to water contents.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant controversy" when you want to emphasize that a disagreement or debate is not only present but also noteworthy in its impact or scope. It's suitable for highlighting issues that have garnered substantial attention or have important consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "significant controversy" for trivial disagreements or minor debates. Reserve this phrase for situations where the issue at hand has garnered considerable attention, sparked substantial debate, or has wide-ranging implications. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

Significant controversy functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase correctly identifies a situation involving considerable disagreement or public debate. It highlights the importance or impact of the dispute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant controversy" is a commonly used phrase to describe situations involving substantial disagreement or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance to reporting on and analyzing contentious issues. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the dispute is indeed noteworthy and impactful, avoiding overuse in minor disagreements. Alternatives such as "major controversy" or "considerable dispute" can be used to vary your language while maintaining clarity. The phrase conveys a neutral to formal tone, suitable for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major controversy

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the controversy.

serious disagreement

Emphasizes the importance and gravity of the difference in opinion.

significant disagreement

Focuses on the lack of consensus, rather than the public nature of the dispute.

considerable dispute

Highlights the presence of a disagreement that is noteworthy.

intense dispute

Emphasizes the high level of conflict and disagreement involved.

notable contention

Stresses the act of arguing or stating a position forcefully.

widespread disagreement

Indicates that the disagreement is prevalent among a large group of people.

substantial debate

Focuses on the discussion aspect of the controversy.

heated debate

Highlights the intensity and emotional nature of the discussion.

fierce opposition

Highlights the strong resistance and antagonism towards a particular view or action.

FAQs

How can I use "significant controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "significant controversy" to describe situations where a subject causes considerable disagreement or debate. For example: "The proposed legislation sparked "significant controversy" among voters."

What are some alternatives to "significant controversy"?

Alternatives to "significant controversy" include "major controversy", "considerable dispute", or "notable contention", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "significant controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant controversy" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a serious disagreement or debate.

What distinguishes "significant controversy" from "minor disagreement"?

"Significant controversy" implies a widespread and important disagreement, often with public attention and notable consequences. A "minor disagreement", on the other hand, is a smaller, less consequential difference of opinion that doesn't garner widespread attention.