that is contentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is contentious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic, issue, or statement that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Example: "The proposed policy change is that is contentious among the community members, leading to heated debates at the town hall meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is not science that is contentious but how it is used.

The Guardian

"It's like being in a trial that is contentious, doesn't have weekends off and lasts for over a year and a half".

The New York Times

"We are figuring out how often and in which contexts to gracefully add the phrase 'and the federal levee failures' without upsetting sentence structure, or whether to simply call everything 'the flood.'" This was, I felt, an attempt to include the people of New Orleans in a discussion about Katrina that is contentious and emotional.

The New Yorker

After Mr. Bush's speech, the administration plans to dispatch teams of senior officials to allied capitals in Europe and Asia to outline the administration's proposals for moving ahead with missile defenses, a policy that is contentious at home and abroad, and which has drawn sharp objections from Moscow and Beijing.

The New York Times

"There is a not a lot that is contentious in the district.

BBC

When you face a decision that is contentious, schedule a time and day to make a final decision, and then make it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is these memories that are contentious and have been erased from the official narrative.

The Guardian

To him, dinner was a time to be provocative, to discuss politics, religion, current events, anything that was contentious.

The New York Times

By virtue of their background they will often be active on issues that are contentious and can be divisive: terror, the Middle East, human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is claimed that out of the 29 amendments General Musharraf made to the constitution, there are only two that are contentious.

The Economist

Each night at dinner, she and her four brothers, mother and father would discuss politics, religion, "anything that was contentious," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is contentious" to introduce a topic likely to generate debate or disagreement, especially when aiming for a neutral or formal tone.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "that is contentious" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations. Consider using synonyms like "controversial" or "debatable" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is contentious" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its controversial or disputed nature. Ludwig AI confirms that the structure is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is contentious" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something likely to cause disagreement. Ludwig AI supports its validity and offers various real-world examples. While not incorrect, its formal tone makes it more suitable for news reports, academic papers, or professional discussions. Simpler alternatives like "controversial" or "debatable" may be preferable in informal contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. If unsure of context use consider a synonymous alternative such as "that is controversial".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is controversial

Replaces "contentious" with a more common synonym, focusing on the potential for public debate.

that is a point of contention

Highlights that the specific issue is a cause of argument or disagreement.

that is disputed

Emphasizes the existence of conflicting opinions or evidence.

that is debatable

Highlights that the matter is open to discussion and argument.

that is contested

Suggests an active challenge or opposition to the idea.

that is arguable

Indicates the point is not settled and can be argued from different perspectives.

that is problematic

Highlights the difficulties or issues associated with the matter.

that is fraught with conflict

Emphasizes the presence of conflict or tension surrounding the issue.

that is subject to disagreement

Formally states that there is a lack of consensus.

that is under scrutiny

Implies a careful and critical examination is taking place due to its controversial nature.

FAQs

How can I use "that is contentious" in a sentence?

Use "that is contentious" to describe a subject or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or argument. For example, "The proposed budget cuts are "that is contentious" among the city council members."

What's a simpler alternative to "that is contentious"?

Alternatives include "that is controversial", "that is debatable", or "that is disputed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that is contentious" the same as "that is controversial"?

While similar, "contentious" often implies a more active or ongoing dispute, whereas "that is controversial" simply suggests something is likely to cause strong disagreement. "Contentious" implies there's already a fight brewing.

Can "that is contentious" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct in both, "that is contentious" leans towards a more formal register. For informal settings, consider alternatives like "that is debatable" or "that is arguable".