Keep contending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Keep contending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue striving or competing, often in a challenging situation. Example: "Even when the odds are against you, keep contending for what you believe in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ambitious young artists must still come to terms with them, much as modern painters had to keep contending with Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse.

The New Yorker

Similarly, the U.N. peacekeeping forces will not seek out military engagements, but will simply keep contending Afghan forces separated and maintain security.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We assume that upon choosing a channel, an SU keeps contending and accessing this channel until the end of the current cycle.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The SU selects a channel for data transmission from the channel set (mathcal {M}^{o}) if the (mathcal {M}^{o}) is not empty; otherwise, the SU keeps contend over the previously selected channel.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In fact, the department long resisted any form of public disclosure of the information, in part because doctor and hospital groups wanted it kept confidential, contending that some of their members would be unfairly tainted.

The New York Times

Have fun and try to keep everyone contended and happy.

WikiHow

St . Louisannounced a three-year contract extension for General Manager John Mozeliak and exercised the 2014 option for Manager Mike Matheny, hoping the pair will keep the team contending for the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Kulwicki was quite vocal that his 278-point deficit would probably be his undoing, and that the Dover race result would keep him from contending for the season title.

Wikipedia

"You keep trying to contend the nomination is over tonight!" McAuliffe replied loudly and happily, pointing and waving his arms.

The New Yorker

The United States has long urged China to lift controls on foreign exchange markets that Washington contends keep the renminbi undervalued, making China's exports relatively less expensive in overseas markets.

The New York Times

"If you would like to create a Terminator, then I would contend: Keep doing what you are doing, because you are creating component technologies for such a device," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering encouragement, "keep contending" is a great way to promote persistence, especially when the context involves active competition.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "keep contending" in very casual conversations. Opt for more common phrases like "keep trying" or "don't give up" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Keep contending" functions as an imperative expression, encouraging someone to persistently strive or compete, particularly in challenging situations. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Keep contending" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that functions as an imperative expression, encouraging persistent striving or competition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and utility. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific and general informational sources. While not extremely common, it serves as a motivational and encouraging message, appropriate for situations where perseverance is needed. While understandable in most contexts, avoid overuse in informal conversation for a more natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Continue striving

Emphasizes ongoing effort and aspiration, slightly more formal.

Persist in competition

Focuses on the act of competing and maintaining effort.

Keep fighting

Implies a more intense and adversarial struggle.

Never give up

Highlights resilience and determination to avoid defeat.

Maintain the struggle

Suggests a sustained effort against opposition, bit more formal tone.

Stay in the game

Highlights the idea of remaining involved and active in a competition or endeavor.

Endure the challenge

Emphasizes the ability to withstand difficulties and persevere.

Push forward

Highlights the idea of moving ahead despite obstacles or resistance.

Press on

Emphasizes continued effort and determination, commonly used in motivational contexts.

Hold your ground

Focuses on maintaining a position or stance in the face of opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "Keep contending" in a sentence?

"Keep contending" is used to encourage continuous effort in a competitive situation. For example, "Even when the odds are against you, "keep contending" for what you believe in".

What are some alternatives to "Keep contending"?

You can use alternatives like "continue striving", "keep fighting", or "never give up", depending on the specific context and desired level of intensity.

When is it appropriate to use "Keep contending"?

"Keep contending" is most appropriate in situations where there is a clear element of competition or struggle. It suggests more than just trying; it implies an active effort to overcome obstacles and achieve a goal.

Is "Keep contending" formal or informal?

"Keep contending" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It's suitable for professional settings, news reporting, and academic writing, but might sound somewhat out of place in very casual conversations.