What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
controversy
Example
The controversy surrounding the new policy has sparked heated debates among politicians. [controversy: noun]
Example
There is a lot of controversy over whether or not climate change is real. [controversy: noun]
dispute
Example
The two neighbors had a dispute over the property line. [dispute: noun]
Example
They disputed the accuracy of the report during the meeting. [dispute: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispute is more commonly used than controversy in everyday language. Dispute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while controversy is less common and often associated with more significant or controversial issues.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between controversy and dispute?
Both controversy and dispute can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dispute is often used in legal or business settings, making it slightly more formal than controversy.
