very contentious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very contentious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic, issue, or situation that is likely to cause disagreement or controversy. Example: "The proposed policy changes have become very contentious among community members, sparking heated debates at town hall meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's all very contentious.

The New Yorker

That's a very contentious statement.

The Guardian

Very contentious issues are being discussed.

The New York Times

These systems are often very contentious.

The Economist

"This is a very contentious subject.

The New York Times

"We hear the meeting was very contentious.

The Guardian - Tech

"They have very contentious meetings," she said, with some satisfaction.

The New Yorker

"They have been very contentious" about this, he said.

The New York Times - Health

As a result, flood zone designations can be very contentious.

The Washington Post

"The situation is very difficult and very contentious," he said.

The New York Times

"The public threads on Slashdot are very contentious," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very contentious" to clearly indicate a subject is likely to cause disagreement or provoke strong opinions. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "very contentious" is acceptable, avoid overuse by considering synonyms such as "highly disputed" or "deeply controversial" to add variety to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very contentious" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that causes or is likely to cause an argument. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is usable in written English and implies a state of dispute or disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very contentious" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjective phrase that effectively conveys the presence of strong disagreement or controversy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also sees use in scientific and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. To prevent overuse, consider synonyms such as "highly disputed" or "deeply controversial". When writing, "very contentious" helps signal that a topic involves conflicting values and strong opinions. This analysis, combined with examples from Ludwig, provides a robust understanding of how to effectively employ "very contentious" in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highly disputed

Replaces "contentious" with "disputed", emphasizing the act of questioning or challenging the topic.

Deeply controversial

Substitutes "contentious" with "controversial", highlighting the polarizing nature of the subject.

Intensely debated

Focuses on the act of debating, suggesting a prolonged and passionate discussion.

Subject to much disagreement

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the presence of disagreement surrounding the subject.

A point of major contention

Shifts the focus to "contention" as a central point, rather than describing something as "contentious".

A hot-button issue

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe a topic that evokes strong emotional responses.

Cause for significant argument

Highlights the potential for arguments arising from the topic.

Provoking considerable dissent

Emphasizes the dissenting opinions and opposition generated by the subject.

Marked by strong opposition

Focuses on the presence of strong resistance or disapproval.

Liable to trigger heated debate

Suggests the topic has the potential to spark intense and emotional discussions.

FAQs

How can I use "very contentious" in a sentence?

You can use "very contentious" to describe issues, topics, or situations that cause disagreement or controversy. For example: "The proposed policy changes have become "very contentious" among community members, sparking heated debates."

What are some alternatives to "very contentious"?

Some alternatives to "very contentious" include "highly disputed", "deeply controversial", or "intensely debated" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "very contentious" formal or informal?

"Very contentious" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.

What makes an issue "very contentious"?

An issue becomes "very contentious" when it involves conflicting values, interests, or beliefs, leading to significant disagreement and debate among different parties.