I will contend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will contend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to assert or argue a point in a discussion or debate. Example: "In this essay, I will contend that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In this talk, I will contend that there is a twofold danger of being beguiled by matters of terminological shift and retention.

University of Chicago

Although I will contend that Scanlon's view is committed only to normative reduction, and hence is not an FA theory, the literature has tended to assimilate buck passing accounts with fitting attitude theories.

SEP

But I will contend with that.

Huffington Post

The first Assassin's Creed was, I will contend forever, a brilliant construction, albeit flawed in a lot of ways repetitive and too free with unskippable cut scenes of two guys talking at a desk.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'll contend that to my dying day".

The New York Times

Elsewhere in that same episode, as my friend Andrew Ervin noted, is the observation that "A man of genius makes no mistakes; his errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery," though I'll contend that this is Stephen Dedalus's insight and, following Kenner, that it's figured as callow.

The New Yorker

Abandon The Fuelband, Focus On Software And Services: Makes sense on the surface, but I'll contend again that Nike needs to access user data in order to provide these services.

TechCrunch

But I'll contend that in many cases, show-oriented breeders focus first on winning conformation competitions (how the dog looks); making a good pet is important to them, but if push comes to shove they'll choose winning the shows over breeding for a dog that's a good pet.

Huffington Post

According to people briefed on the case, it will contend that Mr. Quattrone failed to supervise his subordinates.

The New York Times

"I believe we will contend for the league championship," Tivenan said.

Los Angeles Times

As for the biggest prize of the night, video of the year, there's an Australian earworm nestled in with the bangers: Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know will contend with songs by Drake, Rihanna, Perry and MIA.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will contend" in formal writing or speeches when you want to express a viewpoint that might be disputed or requires justification. It adds a layer of sophistication to your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "I will contend" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in those contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "I think" or "I believe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will contend" functions as a performative utterance, where the speaker explicitly states their intention to argue or maintain a specific viewpoint. It's a declaration of intent to engage in a discussion or debate, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will contend" is a formal phrase used to introduce an argument or assertion, particularly in academic or professional settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and signals a speaker's intention to defend a specific viewpoint. While synonyms like "I will argue" or "I assert" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone. Avoid overuse in informal conversations where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will argue

Replaces "contend" with a more common synonym, suitable for most contexts.

I will assert

Similar to "argue" but suggests a slightly stronger, more confident declaration.

I intend to prove

Emphasizes the goal of demonstrating something's truth.

I shall maintain

More formal and somewhat archaic, implying a steadfast defense of a position.

I propose to demonstrate

Suggests a structured, reasoned presentation of evidence.

I will submit that

Common in legal or academic settings, introducing a formal argument.

It is my contention that

Shifts the emphasis to the idea being argued, rather than the speaker.

I posit that

Introduces an idea as a starting point for reasoning.

I hypothesize that

Introduces an idea as a tentative explanation, common in scientific contexts.

My argument will be

States directly what the speaker is trying to argue.

FAQs

What does "I will contend" mean?

The phrase "I will contend" means that you intend to assert, argue, or maintain a particular point of view, often one that may be disputed or require justification. It's a formal way of saying you will argue something.

When is it appropriate to use "I will contend"?

It's appropriate to use "I will contend" in formal writing, academic papers, legal arguments, or public speaking when you want to introduce a point you plan to argue or defend. In more casual settings, simpler phrases are generally preferred.

Are there synonyms for "I will contend" that are less formal?

Yes, less formal alternatives include phrases like "I will argue", "I believe", "I think", or "I maintain". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality you want to convey. Consider using "I will argue" for a slightly less formal option.

How does "I will contend" differ from "I will argue"?

While similar, "I will contend" carries a slightly stronger connotation of defending a position against opposition. "I will argue" is more general, simply indicating you'll present reasons for a particular viewpoint. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but "I will contend" often suggests a more deliberate or forceful assertion.