Scholarly opinion is divided on
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase to sound objective and intellectually sophisticated when discussing a topic with no clear consensus.
En 15 secondes
- Used to say experts disagree on a specific topic or fact.
- Perfect for academic writing, formal reports, and serious debates.
- Signals that a question has no single, simple answer yet.
Signification
This phrase is a polite way to say that experts cannot agree on a specific topic. It suggests that there are two or more valid sides to an argument and no one has the final answer yet.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Writing a university history essay
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Discussing a new health trend with a colleague
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Reporting on a scientific discovery
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Western academic value of 'skepticism' and the idea that knowledge is always evolving. It rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as a way for journalists to report on complex scientific or historical debates without taking a side. It is often used as a 'weasel phrase' by politicians to avoid making a firm commitment to a policy.
The 'Whether' Trick
Always follow this phrase with 'whether' if you want to sound like a native speaker. It perfectly sets up the two sides of the argument.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the most important debate in your text.
En 15 secondes
- Used to say experts disagree on a specific topic or fact.
- Perfect for academic writing, formal reports, and serious debates.
- Signals that a question has no single, simple answer yet.
What It Means
Scholarly opinion is divided on is a high-level way to say 'nobody knows for sure.' It implies that very smart people have looked at the data and reached different conclusions. Use it when you want to sound objective and balanced. It shows you recognize the complexity of a situation. It moves the conversation away from simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to introduce a debate. You usually follow it with whether, the question of, or the origins of. For example: Scholarly opinion is divided on whether coffee is actually healthy. It acts as a shield. It protects you from taking a side too early. It makes you sound like a careful thinker who does their homework.
When To Use It
You will mostly use this in academic writing or serious journalism. It is perfect for university essays or business reports. Use it during a presentation when a colleague asks a tricky question. It works well when you want to sound sophisticated at a dinner party. It’s the ultimate 'intellectual' way to avoid being wrong.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple, factual things. Don't say it if you're deciding where to eat lunch. Scholarly opinion is divided on whether we should get pizza sounds ridiculous. Avoid it in very casual texts with close friends unless you are being sarcastic. It can feel cold or overly robotic in emotional conversations. If your partner asks if you love them, do not use this phrase. Trust me on that one.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the Western tradition of 'disputation' and peer review. In English-speaking academia, disagreeing is actually seen as a sign of progress. We love a good debate! It reflects a culture that values evidence over raw authority. It became popular in the 20th century as science became more specialized. It’s now a staple of BBC documentaries and high-end news outlets like The Economist.
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, try Expert opinion is split. You can also say The jury is still out on... for a more legal feel. In casual settings, people just say It's up for debate. If you want to be even fancier, use There is no consensus among academics regarding... These all carry the same 'we don't know yet' energy.
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level expression. It is strictly formal and should be used when you want to appear objective, educated, and cautious about making definitive claims.
The 'Whether' Trick
Always follow this phrase with 'whether' if you want to sound like a native speaker. It perfectly sets up the two sides of the argument.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the most important debate in your text.
The Polite 'No'
In British English, this is often used as a very polite way to say someone is wrong without being rude. It acknowledges their point while suggesting others disagree.
Exemples
6Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
This introduces a balanced view of historical theories.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Adds a layer of authority to a casual health discussion.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Standard usage in science journalism to show ongoing debate.
Look, scholarly opinion is divided on whether that sequel was actually good.
Look, scholarly opinion is divided on whether that sequel was actually good.
Using a very formal phrase for a trivial topic creates humor.
Scholarly opinion is divided on how the economy will react to these changes.
Scholarly opinion is divided on how the economy will react to these changes.
Shows the speaker is well-informed about expert forecasts.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the definition of consciousness.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the definition of consciousness.
Appropriate for deep, abstract, and emotional intellectual debates.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the formal sentence.
Scholarly ___ is divided on the effectiveness of the new policy.
The standard colocation for this formal expression is 'scholarly opinion'.
Which preposition usually follows 'divided on'?
Scholarly opinion is divided ___ whether the tax should be increased.
In English, we are 'divided on' a topic or subject.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of 'Disagreement' Phrases
Used with friends
People can't agree.
Standard conversation
It's a matter of debate.
Professional settings
The jury is still out.
Academic/Serious
Scholarly opinion is divided on...
Where to use 'Scholarly opinion is divided on'
University Essay
Analyzing Shakespeare's true identity.
Science Podcast
Discussing the possibility of time travel.
Boardroom Meeting
Explaining conflicting market research.
Sarcastic Joke
Debating if pineapple belongs on pizza.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if you are being funny or talking about something very serious. Using Scholarly opinion is divided on to discuss weekend plans is definitely a joke.
Both are grammatically okay, but divided on is much more common in formal writing. It sounds more precise.
It refers to 'scholars'—people who spend their lives studying a specific subject, like professors or researchers.
Yes! Academic opinion is divided is a perfect synonym and is used just as often.
Absolutely. It is a standard phrase in global academic English, used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Not necessarily. It just means they have different theories or interpretations of the same facts.
People sometimes forget the 'is'. They say Scholarly opinion divided on... but you need the verb is to make it a full sentence.
Yes, it is often used for historical or theological debates where there is no physical proof.
No, it's actually great! It shows you can handle complex information without being biased.
Usually with a noun phrase or a clause starting with 'whether'. For example: ...divided on the impact of social media.
Expressions liées
The jury is still out
A matter of considerable debate
No consensus has been reached
Contention remains regarding
A point of contention
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