I contended that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I contended that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a belief or argument that you have put forward in a discussion or debate. Example: "In my essay, I contended that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I contended that Islamism, as a cohesive ideology, was doomed to decline, because it bore a fault line between two irreconcilable trends.

The New York Times

I contended that there was no such thing as intrinsic merit and that merit could be calculated only in relation to those factors the policy of blind submission forbids us from considering.

The New York Times

I contended that the election laws did not empower us directly or by implication to try to determine the identity of any voter, no matter what he had written on his ballot.

The New Yorker

In response to his suggestion that home video diminishes the experience of cinema, I contended that, by allowing viewers to watch films repeatedly — to watch backwards and forwards, to return to individual scenes and moments, to speed up and slow down and freeze frames — it lets us watch movies the way we read books: intimately, personally, analytically, repeatedly.

The New Yorker

IN MY AUG. 10, 1998 COLUMN, I contended that Treasury bonds looked better than stocks on a risk-return basis.

Forbes

I contended that maybe they were just the wrong guys for her, rather than pointing towards a failing on her part, but she didn't seem convinced.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

By any measure, I contend that is a failing grade; but, put in its proper context, it is even more disturbing.

Huffington Post

I contend that the reverse is true.

The Economist

I contend that this isn't about women at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Nowhere do I contend that "greed alone drove the Holocaust".

The New York Times

I contend that there are no "best" swimming spots.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I contended that" to clearly state your position or argument in a formal or semi-formal context. This phrase is useful in academic papers, essays, or discussions where you want to present a well-considered viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "I contended that" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I thought" or "I believed" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I contended that" functions as a declarative statement introducing a proposition or argument. It serves to explicitly highlight the speaker's or writer's position on a particular issue. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I contended that" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing a personal argument or belief in a relatively formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While common in news and media, it also appears in scientific and business publications. When writing, remember that while it adds clarity and strength, avoid overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Some viable alternatives include "I argued that", "I maintained that", and "I believed that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My contention is that

Rephrasing as "My contention is that" emphasizes the viewpoint itself as the central point.

I argued that

This alternative replaces "contended" with "argued", suggesting a more active and potentially confrontational presentation of the viewpoint.

It was my argument that

Changing to "It was my argument that" shifts the focus to the past presentation of the argument.

I maintained that

Using "maintained" suggests a firm and consistent holding of the stated belief, even in the face of potential opposition.

I asserted that

This alternative, "asserted", implies a confident and forceful declaration of the belief or argument.

I posited that

Swapping with "posited" frames the statement as a proposed idea or theory for consideration and discussion.

I submitted that

This suggests a more formal and respectful presentation of the argument, often in a legal or academic context.

I proposed that

Replacing "contended" with "proposed" indicates an offering of a suggestion or plan for consideration.

I claimed that

Using "claimed" can imply a potential lack of evidence or a challenge to the stated belief.

I believed that

This alternative replaces "contended" with "believed", emphasizing a personal conviction rather than a formal argument.

FAQs

What does "I contended that" mean?

The phrase "I contended that" means you argued, asserted, or maintained a specific point of view or belief. It's a way of formally stating your position in a discussion or piece of writing.

When is it appropriate to use "I contended that"?

Use "I contended that" in formal writing, academic essays, or debates where you want to express your viewpoint clearly and assertively. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What can I say instead of "I contended that"?

You can use alternatives like "I argued that", "I maintained that", or "I asserted that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I contended that" more or less formal than "I thought that"?

"I contended that" is more formal than "I thought that". "I thought that" expresses a simple belief or opinion, while "I contended that" suggests a more reasoned and asserted viewpoint.