open to dispute

IPA/ˈəʊpən tə dɪspjˈuːt/
IPA/ˈoʊpən tə dɪspjˈuːt/

open to dispute — idiom

1. You use this phrase to describe a claim, conclusion, or matter that reasonable p

1.慣用語B2
釋義

You use this phrase to describe a claim, conclusion, or matter that reasonable people disagree about — the evidence or arguments are not strong enough to settle the question, so different views can still be defended.

例句

The cause of the factory fire is open to dispute between the city council and the owner.

open to dispute between [two parties]

Professor Tamar admitted the results are open to dispute because only twelve patients took part.

open to dispute because [reason]

同義詞
  • debatable

    more common in everyday contexts; less formal than 'open to dispute'

  • questionable

    carries a stronger suggestion that something is probably wrong or unreliable

  • controversial

    implies strong public disagreement and heightened emotions, not just uncertainty

  • unsettled

    focuses on the lack of a final answer, common in legal and scientific writing

反義詞
  • settled

    the matter has been resolved and is no longer argued

  • undisputed

    direct opposite; everyone accepts the claim as true

  • agreed

    all parties have come to the same conclusion

用法筆記

This phrase describes the status of a claim, not a person — the subject is the question or assertion being argued about. Common in legal writing, academic papers, and formal news reporting. Often followed by 'among' (when a group disagrees) or 'between' (for two opposing sides).

常見錯誤

❌I am open to dispute about the plan.
✅My view on the plan is open to dispute.
💡The phrase describes the claim or question itself, not the person who disagrees.
❌The answer is open to dispute because nobody knows it.
✅The answer is open to dispute because experts disagree on the evidence.
💡The phrase suggests reasoned disagreement between informed people, not simple ignorance of the facts.