theme of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subject or topic that is a source of disagreement or conflict among individuals or groups. Example: "The theme of contention in the debate centered around climate change policies and their economic implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He has talked about how I'd benefited from his misery – I won the Life magazine award, I was on the Today show – and it has definitely been a theme of contention that I got more than he did".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We close with some observations regarding common themes, points of contention and possibilities for future work.

Interacting with Computers

Dishes can be a subject of contention.

WikiHow

Mr. Cuomo was widely criticized for his remarks, even by Democrats, and yesterday, he took pains to avoid criticizing the governor directly as he returned to what his aides said would be a central theme of his campaign: his contention that Mr. Pataki is doing an ineffective job in overseeing the recovery effort downtown.

The New York Times

Strakhov rejected Pisarev's contention that the theme of environmental determinism was essential to the novel, and pointed out that Dostoyevsky's attitude towards his hero was sympathetic: "This is not mockery of the younger generation, neither a reproach nor an accusation it is a lament over it".

Wikipedia

Out of contention.

The New York Times - Sports

The bone of contention?

The Guardian

But bones of contention remain, notably insurance.

The Economist

They've hated themselves out of contention.

Independent

Canada is 14th, surely out of contention.

The New York Times

There lies the bone of contention.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theme of contention", ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific subject or issue that is causing disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "theme of contention" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "point of disagreement" or "something we don't agree on" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme of contention" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a recurring subject or central point of disagreement. It is used to frame the main area of conflict, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where it describes a recurring issue or debate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theme of contention" is a noun phrase used to describe a recurring subject or central point of disagreement. As Ludwig AI underlines, while grammatically sound and valid, its usage is relatively rare and primarily found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, aim to use this phrase to highlight significant areas of disagreement, particularly in formal and analytical contexts. For simpler situations, consider alternatives such as "point of disagreement" or "source of conflict".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bone of contention

This is an idiomatic expression, implying a persistent and significant source of conflict.

source of conflict

Directly indicates the origin or cause of a conflict situation.

subject of dispute

Emphasizes the aspect of disputing or arguing about a particular subject.

point of disagreement

Focuses on a specific point rather than a broader theme, indicating a narrower scope of conflict.

topic of disagreement

Refers to the subject matter around which there is a lack of consensus.

matter of debate

Highlights the aspect of formal discussion and differing opinions.

point of argument

Highlights the argumentative nature of the disagreement.

area of controversy

Indicates a specific field or domain where disagreement is prevalent.

cause of discord

Implies a breakdown in harmony or agreement.

issue in question

Draws attention to a specific problem or matter that is being questioned or debated.

FAQs

How can I use "theme of contention" in a sentence?

You can use "theme of contention" to describe a recurring or central point of disagreement. For example, "The main "theme of contention" in the negotiations was the distribution of resources."

What's a simpler way to say "theme of contention"?

Alternatives include "point of disagreement", "source of conflict", or "bone of contention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "theme of contention" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "theme of contention" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing recurring or central points of disagreement in academic, professional, or news contexts.

What is the difference between "theme of contention" and "issue of contention"?

"Theme of contention" typically refers to a broader, overarching subject of disagreement, while "issue of contention" usually points to a more specific, individual point of disagreement.