Grammar fix
a contentious issue
disputed topic
an issue or topic that causes a lot of disagreement or argument, often because people have strong and opposing opinions about it.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Immigration policy remains a contentious issue in many countries.
In my opinion, climate change is a contentious issue because people have such strong and conflicting views about its causes and solutions.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Immigration is a very contentious.
Say: Immigration is a very contentious issue.
'Contentious' is an adjective — it needs a noun ('issue', 'topic').
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Engenders considerable disagreement' is heavy; 'contentious' says it in one word.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
contentious issue
- highly
- a
- remains
- politically