in dispute
Showing disagreement or uncertainty
This fixed phrase means contested or not agreed on.
The facts remain in dispute.
Dispute with prepositions
In dispute is a common fixed phrase meaning questioned or contested. Of dispute is limited and usually follows another noun.
Quick answer
Should I use in dispute or of dispute?
Use in dispute to mean contested or uncertain. Of dispute usually appears in longer expressions such as source of dispute.
The ownership is in dispute.
The contract became a source of dispute.
The contract became a source of dispute.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
source of dispute
Naming the cause of disagreement
Of dispute is natural after nouns like source or cause.
money was the main source of dispute.
dispute over + topic
Introducing the subject of disagreement
Over is a common preposition with dispute.
a dispute over land rights
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in dispute
Several claims are still in dispute.
contested or uncertain
of dispute
The delay became a point of dispute.
used after another noun, not directly after dispute
dispute over
They had a dispute over money.
standard way to name the issue
dispute about
There was a dispute about parking.
less formal alternative to over
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using of dispute directly
English usually needs another noun before of dispute.
✕ The issue is of dispute. ✓ The issue is in dispute.Confusing in dispute with under discussion
In dispute means contested, not simply being discussed.
✕ The schedule is in dispute tomorrow. ✓ The schedule is under discussion tomorrow.Using dispute for the topic
Use over or about to introduce the issue.
✕ a dispute for money ✓ a dispute over moneyQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The border remains ___ dispute.
2. The budget became a source ___ dispute.
3. They had a dispute ___ property rights.
Check your sentence in context
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Free to try · No signup required
Frequently asked questions
What does in dispute mean?
It means not agreed on or being challenged.
Can I say of dispute alone?
Usually no. It normally follows another noun such as point or source.
What preposition commonly follows dispute?
Over is very common for the subject of disagreement.
Related preposition guides
Write with confidence in Linguix
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
