vigorous controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vigorous controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and intense debate or disagreement on a particular issue. Example: "The proposal for the new policy sparked a vigorous controversy among the community members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It soon became the subject of vigorous controversy because of its nonconstructive nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similarly, the inclusion of a map showing the frontiers between two or more nations may give rise to vigorous controversy if the nations involved dispute any part of the boundaries as shown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard Posner [1973] brought economic analysis of law to the attention of the general legal academy; by the late 1970s, his work had provoked a vigorous controversy within the legal academy.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But vigorous campaigning, and controversy over the redrawing of parliamentary constituency boundaries, has not resulted in violence.

Independent

The work was carried out amidst considerable controversy, as there were vigorous disagreements between the governors and senior engineers of the time over how the works should be carried out and indeed whether some of them should be pursued at all.

Wikipedia

Though UGG shareholders subjected him to vigorous questioning, he held firm and the controversy died down after he gave a series of radio addresses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Wikipedia

Despite being in embroiled in PED controversy that includes a disputed positive test and a vigorous appeal, Sherman's name appeared at the top of most of the annual "Pro Bowl Snubs" lists.

Huffington Post

I was delighted to read Mr. Davis's recent article and I am writing to answer his concern that there is currently no vigorous, fully theatrical staging of "Mass" that would "generate the same excitement, controversy, sense of discovery and wonder that it did when first encountered in 1971 at the Kennedy Center".

The New York Times

The most important thing to emerge from the controversy about his being honored by CUNY is the need, as Mr. Kushner elegantly says, for "vigorous and consequential debate" about the conduct of one trustee and the board of trustees as a whole.

The New York Times

Although various preparation techniques have been suggested for improving survival of fat grafts, 5– 7 including centrifugation, 8– 12 simple decantation, 13 vigorous washing, 14 no washing at all, 15 and dense-cloth fat concentration, 16 there is still controversy about their long-term results.

Annals of Plastic Surgery

He has delayed his plans to enter Whittier College in the fall, planning instead to wage a vigorous campaign and clinging to what he admits is probably the quixotic hope that he can parlay the controversy into victory this fall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vigorous controversy", ensure the context clearly indicates a significant and energetic disagreement, avoiding understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "vigorous controversy" when a milder term like "discussion" or "debate" would be more appropriate; reserve it for situations involving genuine and strong opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vigorous controversy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "vigorous" modifies the noun "controversy". This indicates a strong or energetic dispute. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and notes its presence across various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vigorous controversy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations characterized by intense disagreement and active debate. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig confirms its validity and usage across various sources, including news media and encyclopedias. The phrase is best employed when aiming to convey the energy and strength of a dispute, and care should be taken to ensure the context warrants such a strong term. Alternatives like "intense debate" or "heated dispute" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense debate

Replaces both words with synonyms, emphasizing the high level of activity during the debate.

heated dispute

Uses "heated" and "dispute" for a more emotional and confrontational tone.

fierce disagreement

Highlights the strong and potentially aggressive nature of the disagreement.

strong opposition

Focuses on the resistance or dissent aspect of the controversy.

spirited debate

Indicates an energetic and lively discussion, though possibly less negative than "controversy".

robust discussion

Emphasizes a thorough and comprehensive examination of different viewpoints.

intense contention

Highlights the adversarial nature of the disagreement.

serious conflict

Underscores the gravity and potential consequences of the disagreement.

active dispute

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the disagreement.

significant disagreement

Highlights that the disagreement is important and noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "vigorous controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "vigorous controversy" to describe situations where there is strong disagreement and debate surrounding a particular topic. For instance: "The new environmental policy sparked a "vigorous controversy" among stakeholders".

What are some alternatives to "vigorous controversy"?

Alternatives to "vigorous controversy" include "intense debate", "heated dispute", or "fierce disagreement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vigorous controversy" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "vigorous controversy" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations involving significant opposition and debate. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the intensity of the disagreement.

What distinguishes "vigorous controversy" from a simple disagreement?

"Vigorous controversy" suggests a more energetic, intense, and often public disagreement than a simple disagreement. It implies a strong clash of opinions and active debate.