Contentious vs Controversial: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about the difference between contentious and controversial? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between contentious and controversial, and help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s define our terms. Contentious means causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial means giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement. While both words describe something that is likely to cause disagreement, contentious implies a more confrontational or argumentative tone, while controversial can describe a wider range of topics or situations.

So which word is the “proper” word to use? The answer is: it depends. Both words have their place in the English language, and the choice between them will depend on the specific context in which they are being used. In general, if you want to describe something that is likely to cause a heated argument or disagreement, contentious is the better choice. If you want to describe something that is likely to be the subject of public debate or disagreement, controversial is the better choice.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common examples of when to use each word, and provide some tips for using them effectively in your own writing.

Define Contentious

Contentious is an adjective that describes something that is likely to cause an argument or disagreement. It is often used to describe a topic or issue that people have strong opinions about and are willing to argue over. Contentious issues can arise in many different areas, including politics, religion, and social issues.

For example, a contentious political issue might be a proposed law that some people believe will help the country while others believe it will hurt it. A contentious social issue might be something like abortion or same-sex marriage, which people have strong opinions about and are often willing to argue over.

Define Controversial

Controversial is also an adjective, but it has a slightly different meaning than contentious. Controversial describes something that is likely to cause disagreement or debate, but it also implies that there are two or more sides to the issue. In other words, controversial issues are those that are not universally agreed upon.

For example, a controversial scientific theory might be one that is not yet widely accepted by the scientific community. A controversial book might be one that some people believe should be banned while others believe it should be allowed to be published and read.

It is important to note that while contentious and controversial are similar in meaning, they are not interchangeable. Contentious issues are those that are likely to cause argument or disagreement, while controversial issues are those that are not universally agreed upon.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly is essential in any form of writing. The words ‘contentious’ and ‘controversial’ are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and connotations. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use ‘Contentious’ In A Sentence

The word ‘contentious’ refers to something that is likely to cause an argument or disagreement. It can also mean something that is controversial or disputed. Here are some examples of how to use ‘contentious’ in a sentence:

• The issue of gun control is highly contentious in the United States.
• The new tax law has been a contentious topic among politicians.
• The decision to close the local library has been a contentious issue in the community.

As you can see from the examples, ‘contentious’ is used to describe a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or argument.

How To Use ‘Controversial’ In A Sentence

The word ‘controversial’ refers to something that is likely to cause disagreement or discussion. It can also mean something that is disputed or has opposing opinions. Here are some examples of how to use ‘controversial’ in a sentence:

• The new healthcare bill is a controversial topic among politicians.
• The use of animals in medical research is a controversial issue.
• The decision to ban certain books from the library has been controversial.

As you can see from the examples, ‘controversial’ is used to describe a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or discussion, but not necessarily argument.

More Examples Of Contentious & Controversial Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide additional examples of how to use the words contentious and controversial in sentences. These examples will help to clarify the differences between the two words and provide insight into how they can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Contentious In A Sentence

• The issue of gun control is a contentious topic in the United States.
• The new policy has proven to be quite contentious among employees.
• The decision to close the local library has been met with a contentious response from the community.
• The debate over climate change has become increasingly contentious in recent years.
• The contentious relationship between the two leaders has led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations.
• The contentious election has divided the country along political lines.
• The contentious issue of immigration has been a hot topic in the media.
• The contentious debate over healthcare reform has been ongoing for years.
• The contentious lawsuit has been tied up in court for months.
• The contentious relationship between the two companies has led to a legal battle.

Examples Of Using Controversial In A Sentence

• The controversial decision to legalize marijuana has been met with mixed reactions.
• The controversial artist’s latest exhibit has sparked outrage among some viewers.
• The controversial book has been banned in several countries.
• The controversial politician has been the subject of numerous scandals.
• The controversial policy has been criticized by many experts in the field.
• The controversial film has been praised by some and condemned by others.
• The controversial study has been called into question by several prominent scientists.
• The controversial company has been accused of unethical business practices.
• The controversial decision to build a new highway has divided the community.
• The controversial product has been recalled due to safety concerns.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When writing, it is important to choose the right words to convey your message accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings are contentious and controversial. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:

Using Contentious When You Mean Controversial

Contentious means causing or likely to cause an argument or disagreement, while controversial means giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement. Using contentious when you mean controversial can make your writing confusing and inaccurate. For example, saying “the controversial issue of climate change” is correct, while saying “the contentious issue of climate change” is incorrect.

Using Controversial When You Mean Contentious

Conversely, using controversial when you mean contentious can also lead to confusion. For instance, saying “the contentious debate over gun control” is correct, while saying “the controversial debate over gun control” is incorrect.

Using Both Words Interchangeably

Some people use contentious and controversial interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Using the wrong word can make your writing appear unprofessional and can affect the clarity of your message. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between these two words and use them correctly.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Look up the definition of contentious and controversial to understand their meanings and differences.
• Use a thesaurus to find alternative words if you are unsure which one to use.
• Read your writing out loud to see if it sounds correct and makes sense.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words contentious and controversial, context is key. While the two words are often used interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings and connotations that can affect how they are perceived by readers or listeners.

Choosing Between Contentious And Controversial

The choice between contentious and controversial can depend on the context in which they are used. Here are some examples:

Context	Which Word to Use	Why
Academic Writing	Controversial	In academic writing, controversial is often preferred because it implies a more balanced and nuanced discussion of a topic.
Political Discourse	Contentious	Contentious is often used in political discourse because it implies a more heated and divisive debate.
Legal Proceedings	Contentious	Contentious is often used in legal proceedings because it implies a dispute or disagreement that is being litigated.
Social Media	Controversial	Controversial is often used on social media because it implies a topic that is generating a lot of discussion and debate.

As you can see, the choice between contentious and controversial depends on the context in which they are used. It’s important to choose the right word to accurately convey the tone and meaning of your message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using contentious and controversial are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word and how they can be used in different contexts.

Controversial But Not Contentious

• When referring to a topic or issue that is widely debated or disputed, but not necessarily causing anger or hostility
• Example: The controversial decision to ban plastic straws in restaurants has sparked a lot of discussion, but it is not a contentious issue.

Contentious But Not Controversial

• When referring to a situation or dispute that is causing strong feelings of anger or hostility, but not necessarily widely debated
• Example: The contentious divorce proceedings between the celebrity couple have been making headlines, but it is not a controversial issue.

Neither Contentious Nor Controversial

• When referring to a topic or issue that is not causing any strong feelings of disagreement or conflict
• Example: The new park that opened in the neighborhood has been well-received and is not a contentious or controversial issue.

It’s important to note that the distinction between contentious and controversial can be subjective and depend on the context in which they are used. However, understanding these exceptions can help ensure that these words are used correctly and effectively in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between contentious and controversial, it is essential to practice using these words correctly. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (contentious or controversial) to complete each sentence:

1. The new policy was __________ because it sparked a lot of debate among employees.
2. The movie was __________ because it dealt with a sensitive topic.
3. The politician’s comments were __________ because they were seen as offensive by many people.
4. The issue of gun control is highly __________ and often leads to heated arguments.
5. The decision to close the local library was __________ because many people felt it was an important community resource.

Answer Key:

1. contentious
2. controversial
3. controversial
4. contentious
5. controversial

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using each of the words (contentious and controversial) correctly:

Word	Sentence
contentious	The debate over climate change is highly contentious among scientists.
controversial	The artist’s latest exhibit was controversial due to its graphic content.

Explanation: The sentence using “contentious” describes a debate or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or argument. The sentence using “controversial” describes something that is likely to cause disagreement or argument because it is sensitive, offensive, or otherwise divisive.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of contentious and controversial, and communicate more effectively in your writing and conversations.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between contentious and controversial, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding the nuances of language use is crucial in effective communication, and knowing when to use these words can make a significant difference in the impact of your message.

Key Takeaways

• Contentious refers to something that is likely to cause an argument or disagreement, while controversial refers to something that is likely to cause strong opinions or differing views.
• Context plays a crucial role in determining whether to use contentious or controversial.
• It is essential to consider your audience and the potential impact of your message when deciding which word to use.

By paying attention to the specific meanings of words like contentious and controversial, we can become more effective communicators and avoid misunderstandings. Continual learning about grammar and language use is essential in improving our communication skills and building stronger relationships with others.