controversial subject vs polemical subject

Both 'controversial subject' and 'polemical subject' are correct phrases, but they have slightly different connotations. 'Controversial subject' is more commonly used and refers to a topic that causes disagreement or argument. On the other hand, 'polemical subject' is less common and specifically refers to a topic that is likely to provoke strong opinions and heated debate.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 461 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"controversial subject"

This phrase is used to describe a topic that causes disagreement or argument.

Examples:

The issue of climate change is a controversial subject.
Abortion is always a controversial subject.
Discussing politics can be a controversial subject among friends.
The movie's ending was a controversial subject among viewers.
The new policy became a controversial subject in the community.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, the proposal of 7 July was broader in scope, and particularly sought to eliminate exemptions, which is a controversial subject.
I don't want to get a stomachache... every time you take on a controversial subject.
He seized the opportunity of drafting a realistic resolution on a controversial subject and I think that is rather clever for a Frenchman.
Mr President, this has not been a very controversial subject.
Nevertheless, I would like to comment briefly on the more controversial subject of the Intergovernmental Conference.
This proposal for a directive remains, however, a delicate and controversial subject.
I sincerely thank the rapporteur for devoting his attention to such a difficult and controversial subject.
Returning illegal immigrants to their country of origin is a highly controversial subject.
The most controversial subject has proved to be and still is the possible patentability of human genes.
There is a danger that the potentially controversial subject of telecommunications will become the central focus of debate and reporting.
Thirdly, this is a controversial subject that has also been tackled by Mr Liese.
Mr President, in spite of its horrible consequences, international terrorism is still, sadly, a controversial subject.
One extremely positive point is the call for 'gender-sensitive performance indicators' to be developed, which would also make the controversial subject of quotas less acrimonious.
'Our rapporteur has been at pains to consider the highly diverse views on this extremely controversial subject.
Mr President, I would like first of all to congratulate the rapporteur, Mrs van den Burg, for the excellent work she has done in preparing this report on the future of financial regulation in Europe, which is such a complicated and controversial subject.
It's a very sad story, but it really illustrates how animals can sometimes show emotion, a very controversial subject among some older biologists.
The secession of Kosovo, which remains a deeply controversial subject, has heightened tensions in the region and continues to have an immense potential to cause instability.
Mr President, I should like to congratulate the rapporteur, Mrs Roure, for her excellent report on this important but, it seems, highly controversial subject.
We had a meeting and due to the growing controversial subject matter we have some concerns and have to pull out.
This is of course a controversial subject, and opponents of shorter working hours have no difficulty in stating that in the United States and the United Kingdom, unemployment is falling steadily and there has never been so much work.

Alternatives:

contentious topic
debated issue
disputed subject
heated topic
divisive subject

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"polemical subject"

This phrase specifically refers to a topic that is likely to provoke strong opinions and heated debate.

Examples:

The author's new book addresses a polemical subject.
The politician's speech touched on a polemical subject.
The debate centered around a polemical subject.
The article delves into a polemical subject.
The film explores a polemical subject.

Show examples from the web [+]

I wish to congratulate him on this considerable work on a subject as complex and polemical as the WTO.
Mr President, Mr De Croo, after debating for 25 years, we are gathered here once again to discuss chocolate, such a polemical debate for such a sweet subject.

Alternatives:

controversial topic
contentious subject
debated issue
heated subject
divisive topic

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controversial subject vs polemical subject