sustained controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that has been the subject of ongoing debate or disagreement over a period of time. Example: "The proposed legislation has sparked sustained controversy among various interest groups, leading to heated discussions in the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The telephony metadata program, revealed last year in the opening salvos of the Snowden leaks, has been the subject of sustained controversy.

TechCrunch

"The creation under British law of a criminal offence of incitement to religious hatred has provoked bitter and sustained controversy.

The Guardian

This implication, a kind of philosophical blowback from the debates on animal rights and abortion, has become the subject of sustained controversy in applied ethics.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By contrast, he said, "the Rocker story was overdone" to sustain controversy and fill TV time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even with the addition of Internet art, it will take real willfulness to sustain any controversy arising from this Biennial.

The New York Times

The Waco controversy... is revived and sustained by the taint of political coverup.

The New Yorker

The Waco controversy... is revived and sustained by the taint of political coverup..

The New Yorker

The complexity and controversy surrounding European integration demands sustained political engagement.

The Guardian

By the end of 1874, Smetana had become completely deaf but, freed from his theatre duties and the related controversies, he began a period of sustained composition that continued for almost the rest of his life.

Wikipedia

Emery sustained a groin injury in late April, eliminating any potential controversy over who would be in net for the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

The crackdown was also responding to controversy that erupted when a visiting Loyola Marymount University student sustained life-threatening injuries after she fell from a table at a fraternity party.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustained controversy" to describe situations where the debate or disagreement has continued for a significant period. It implies that the issue has not been easily resolved and remains a point of contention.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained controversy" to describe fleeting or short-lived disagreements. The phrase implies a more prolonged and significant period of debate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained controversy" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sustained" modifies the noun "controversy". It describes a state of prolonged or ongoing public disagreement or debate. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustained controversy" effectively describes prolonged and ongoing disagreements or debates, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, denoting the enduring nature of the issue. When using the phrase, be mindful of its implication of long-term contention and avoid applying it to short-lived disputes. Alternatives like "prolonged dispute" or "ongoing debate" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged dispute

Replaces "controversy" with "dispute", focusing on the disagreement aspect.

ongoing debate

Replaces "controversy" with "debate", highlighting the discussion aspect.

protracted disagreement

Emphasizes the length and nature of the disagreement.

enduring contention

Focuses on the persistent and conflicting nature of the issue.

continuous argument

Highlights the unbroken sequence of dissenting opinions.

unresolved conflict

Stresses the lack of resolution in the contentious situation.

lingering discord

Emphasizes the lasting presence of disharmony or disagreement.

persistent polemic

Emphasizes the aggressive and controversial nature of the disagreement.

unrelenting opposition

Highlights the steadfast resistance and disagreement.

chronic dispute

Indicates a long-lasting and recurring dispute.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustained controversy" to describe an issue that has been the subject of ongoing debate or disagreement over a significant period. For example, "The new policy has sparked "sustained controversy" among employees."

What's an alternative to saying "sustained controversy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prolonged dispute", "ongoing debate", or "protracted disagreement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "sustained controversy" or "continuous controversy"?

"Sustained controversy" implies that the controversy has been maintained or kept going for a period of time, while "continuous controversy" suggests an unbroken sequence. The nuance depends on whether you want to emphasize duration or uninterrupted sequence.

What kind of topics typically lead to "sustained controversy"?

Topics leading to "sustained controversy" often involve ethical dilemmas, political decisions, or scientific advancements with far-reaching implications. These subjects tend to generate diverse viewpoints that are not easily reconciled.