topic of controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topic of controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that generates disagreement or debate among people. Example: "The topic of controversy surrounding climate change continues to spark heated discussions among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

PRESIDENTIAL power has emerged as a potential topic of controversy in the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

The choice seemed deliberate: It was 80 degrees and humid, and the coat had been a topic of controversy for hours.

The Washington Post

Pay was a topic of controversy during the annual general meeting of the Co-op Group on Saturday when a third of members declined to back the remuneration report, which included payouts to departed directors such as Sutherland.

The Guardian - Business

ROSE TO MANAGE GAME WITH FORMER PLAYERS: Pete Rose, whose lifetime ban from major league baseball for gambling remains a topic of controversy, has agreed to manage a team of celebrity old-timers in Buffalo on July 15, the Class AAA Buffalo Bisons announced yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the impact of natural selection with regard to biological features is well understood, its influence on human behavior is a topic of controversy.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The list it refers to has been a topic of controversy for quite a long time, since allegations came out that many people on the list did not in reality partipicate in the defense of Croatia during the war that lasted from 1991 to 1995, despite the fact that many of them have gotten benefits and special rights from the Croatian goverment.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Specifically, several mediators have been proposed, such as diacylglycerols, ceramides, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), inflammatory kinases and reactive oxygen species (ROS), but their relative contributions to the onset of insulin resistance and their putatively synergistic actions are topics of controversy.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA)

The geopolitical consequences of their co-dependency will be topics of controversy and debate forever, but one adventure has earned almost universal respect: Nixon's trip to China, in February , 1972 which is the subject of Margaret MacMillan's "Nixon and Mao" (Random House; $27.95).

The New Yorker

Instead, its purpose is to specifically address topics of controversy in this rapidly evolving field.

Springer

Between January 2012 and February 2013, six web surveys were performed using the web site 'survey console' (http://www.surveyconsole.com) to explore issues including coeliac topics of controversy; the role of endoscopy; the role of histopathology and serology in the diagnosis of CD; and follow-up of patients, including the use of follow-up biopsy.

Gut

We used various topics of controversy in medicine and health care to demonstrate the relevance and the general principles of the method of EBM: Hormone therapy in (post-) menopausal women [ 29- 31] was used to exemplify the fallacies resulting from reliance on epidemiological studies and surrogate parameters rather than on evidence by high quality controlled trials and patient relevant outcomes.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; in formal settings, it's appropriate, but in informal conversations, simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "topic of controversy" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "subject of debate" or "issue of contention" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of controversy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a particular subject or issue that is the source of disagreement or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

40%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topic of controversy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a subject that sparks considerable disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling subjects ripe for debate and discussion. While versatile, writers should vary their language to avoid repetition. Related phrases include "subject of debate" and "issue of contention". When employing this phrase, ensure the contentious nature of the subject is evident to the reader. Although often found in neutral contexts like news, it maintains a level of formality suitable for academic and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of controversy

Swaps "topic" with "matter", but keeps the core meaning intact.

subject of debate

Replaces 'topic' with 'subject', focusing on the act of discussion.

issue of contention

Uses 'issue' and 'contention' to emphasize disagreement.

matter of dispute

Highlights the disagreement using 'matter' and 'dispute'.

point of argument

Focuses on the argumentative aspect of the subject.

subject of conflict

Replaces "topic" with "subject" and controversy with "conflict."

bone of contention

An idiomatic expression indicating a long-standing dispute.

source of conflict

Emphasizes the potential for discord.

area of disagreement

Highlights the lack of consensus.

heated subject

A simpler way to describe an intense disagreement.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "topic of controversy"?

Alternatives include "subject of debate", "issue of contention", or "matter of dispute". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "topic of controversy" in a sentence?

You might say, "The environmental impact of fracking is a significant topic of controversy" or "Presidential power has emerged as a topic of controversy in the nomination of Elena Kagan."

Is "topic of controversy" formal or informal?

The phrase "topic of controversy" is generally considered formal and suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings.

What makes a subject a "topic of controversy"?

A subject becomes a "topic of controversy" when there are significant disagreements or conflicting viewpoints surrounding it, often leading to debate and discussion in public or private forums.