topics of contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topics of contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to subjects or issues that are disputed or cause disagreement among people. Example: "The debate focused on several topics of contention, including climate change policies and healthcare reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is organized in the form of "point and counterpoint" discussion of ten issues or topics of contention to be found in the recent literature on these dynamo models.

Advances in Space Research

The key topics of contention have been how accurate phylogenetic methods are at recovering linguistic history and how congruent the results are with the traditional linguistic comparative method.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

3. In groups, research and write dialogues between proponents of two competing theories on a particular topic of contention.

The New York Times

Race is rarely a public topic of contention in Mexico, a country that erects monuments to its Indian forebears even as their closest descendants live in crushing poverty and illiteracy.

The New York Times

The West Virginia case became the latest topic of contention between Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi when Mr. Hevesi said yesterday that it had "disturbing parallels" with the company's recent actions in New York.

The New York Times

That unwelcome flood of cash has already pushed up their currencies, and the new Fed action is certain to be a topic of contention when President Obama and other leaders of the Group of 20 economic powers gather in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday of next week for a two-day summit meeting.

The New York Times

Innominate kinematic anomalies resulting in low back pain (LBP) of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) origin (SIJ-positive), has always been a topic of contention, owing to difficultly in its evaluation.

Manual Therapy

Later in the day, Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron, with climate change as one topic of contention.

Huffington Post

Kashmir a disputed territory between Pakistan and India, has been the main topic of contention between the two nuclear armed rivals.

Huffington Post

California Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown recently gave his cautious support to fracking, the toxic process via which oil and gas embedded deep within shale rock basins, made famous by the documentary film Gasland, currently a topic of contention in California.

Huffington Post

Often in shows like "Broad City" and "Be Here Nowish" and "Inside Amy Schumer," the main characters discover things about themselves through their sexuality, which is a familiar topic of contention in our country and politics today, but is completely legit.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "topics of contention", ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific issues or subjects that are causing disagreement or debate. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "topics of contention" when the disagreement is minor or insignificant. This phrase implies a substantial level of disagreement, so it's best reserved for situations where the stakes are genuinely high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topics of contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific subjects or issues that are under dispute or causing disagreement. Ludwig shows the phrase used in both academic and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topics of contention" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote subjects or issues causing disagreement. Ludwig AI validates its usage in both news and scientific domains, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While not as frequent as some alternatives, it offers a precise way to identify and frame discussions around disputed matters. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants a substantial level of disagreement and consider more common alternatives like "points of disagreement" for situations requiring less emphasis on the conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

points of disagreement

Focuses on specific instances where agreement is lacking, rather than broad subject areas.

areas of dispute

Highlights the zones or fields where conflicts or arguments exist.

matters in dispute

Refers to specific issues or subjects that are being contested or debated.

subjects of debate

Emphasizes the aspect of formal discussion or argument.

bones of contention

An idiomatic expression highlighting the core reasons for disagreement.

issues at stake

Highlights what could be gained or lost in the disagreement.

points of conflict

Emphasizes the confrontational aspect of the disagreement.

sources of discord

Focuses on the origins or causes of the disagreement or conflict.

contested issues

Highlights the fact that the issues are actively being disputed.

debatable topics

Underscores that the topics are open to discussion and differing opinions.

FAQs

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

You can use "topics of contention" to refer to subjects or issues that are disputed. For example: "The primary "topics of contention" during the negotiation were salary and benefits."

What are some alternatives to saying "topics of contention"?

Alternatives include "points of disagreement", "areas of dispute", or "matters in dispute", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "topics of contention" or "issues of contention"?

Both ""topics of contention"" and "issues of contention" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the subject matter (topic) or the specific problems (issues) that are causing disagreement.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bones of contention" instead of "topics of contention"?

"Bones of contention" is an idiomatic alternative suitable when highlighting the fundamental and long-standing sources of disagreement. It emphasizes the core reasons for the conflict, unlike the more neutral ""topics of contention"".