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Prepositions after adjectives

controversial in, for, of, to or about?

Controversial is often used without a following preposition, but some combinations are natural in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with controversial?

Controversial often stands alone, as in a controversial decision. Controversial for is used to explain the reason someone or something is controversial. Controversial to can mean unacceptable or sensitive to a group. About usually introduces the topic of debate in a separate phrase.

The actor became controversial for his comments.
The proposal is controversial to local residents.
They argued about the controversial decision.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
controversial for + reason

Giving the reason for controversy

Use controversial for to explain why a person, idea, or action attracts disagreement.

The company is controversial for its advertising methods.
She became controversial for opposing the reform.
2
controversial to + group

Showing who finds something controversial

Use controversial to with a person or group affected by the issue.

The policy is controversial to many teachers.
The plan remains controversial to local voters.
3
controversial in + field

Showing the area where debate exists

In introduces the field or context where something is debated. It is not always a fixed adjective pattern.

The theory is controversial in medical research.
The issue remains controversial in academic circles.
4
controversial about + topic

Discussing the subject of disagreement

About usually belongs to the discussion verb or noun around controversial rather than directly to the adjective.

People are arguing about the controversial proposal.
There was debate about the controversial law.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
controversial for
The artist is controversial for his political statements.
Explains the reason for controversy.
controversial to
The decision is controversial to local communities.
Shows who considers something controversial.
controversial in
The method is controversial in education.
Shows the field or context of debate.
controversial about
People are controversial about the issue is unnatural.
About does not usually follow controversial directly as a fixed complement.
controversial of
The phrase controversial of the proposal is not standard.
Of is generally not used after controversial.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using controversial about directly after the adjective

About usually belongs to another word such as argue or debate.

✕ The plan is controversial about taxes. ✓ The plan is controversial because of taxes.

Using controversial of

Of is not a standard complement after controversial.

✕ The article is controversial of its claims. ✓ The article is controversial for its claims.

Forgetting that controversial often needs no preposition

The adjective commonly modifies a noun directly.

✕ It is controversial for issue. ✓ It is a controversial issue.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company became controversial ___ its labour practices.
2. The proposal is controversial ___ some residents.
3. The topic remains controversial ___ political science.

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Frequently asked questions

Can controversial be used without a preposition?

Yes. It often directly modifies a noun, as in a controversial policy.

Is controversial about correct?

Not usually as a direct adjective pattern. About more often belongs to another word in the sentence.

What is the difference between controversial for and controversial to?

For gives the reason for controversy, while to identifies the people affected or offended.

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