a primary contention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary contention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main argument or point of disagreement in a debate, essay, or discussion. Example: "In her paper, she presents a primary contention that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their primary contention was that the state had failed to prove a sufficient nexus between defendants' activities and the presence of lead pigment in Rhode Island.

Harvard University

The claimants' primary contention is that Article 50, the treaty provision by which a Member State may leave the EU, cannot be triggered by prerogative power alone.

Columbia University

Consequently, their primary contention is that § 2515, the evidentiary prohibition of Title III, afforded them a defense to the contempt charges.

Cornell University

The broad support for the recovery package comes as just 10percentt said the bill was too heavy on spending and too light on tax cuts, the primary contention of the Republican leadership in Congress.

The Washington Post

Petitioners' primary contention is that concurrent jurisdiction is clearly incompatible with the federal interest in uniform interpretation of federal criminal laws, see 18 U.S.C. 3231, 2 because state courts would be required to construe the federal crimes that constitute predicate acts defined as "racketeering activity," see 18 U.S.C. 1961 1)(B), (C), and (D).

Cornell University

This is Lanier's primary contention.

TechCrunch

Cleghorn's primary contention is that bringing TV online will be much easier than has been the music industry's experience.

TechCrunch

Hazardous Materials Greenpeace's primary contention is that the industry hasn't done enough to rid its products of hazardous materials, in particular polyvinylchloride (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

Huffington Post

As the primary contention in age estimates between mtDNA and nDNA based analyses concerns whether or not the bulk of living actinopterygian diversity radiated during and after the Cretaceous, partitions whose profiles exhibit a decline from the peak of informativeness of greater than 5% prior to Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary were removed for subsequent analyses.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But its primary contentions have been aimed at Aircraft's jurisdictional showing.

Cornell University

The decision sided with multiple conservation and tribal organizations that sued Fish and Wildlife after it delisted Yellowstone grizzlies in 2017, and it supported one of their primary contentions: that the isolation of the bear population, which is expanding outward but remains unconnected to the other major U.S. grizzly population near the Canada border, makes it genetically vulnerable.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, "a primary contention" can add weight to your argument. However, be sure to substantiate it with evidence to reinforce its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary contention" for minor points or disagreements. Reserve it for the most significant arguments to maintain credibility and avoid diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary contention" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main argument or point of disagreement in a discussion, debate, or written work. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and can be effectively used to introduce a central claim.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary contention" is a grammatically sound phrase used to identify the main argument or point of disagreement in a formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it's well-suited for academic, scientific, and professional writing where precision is key. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the core issue and is supported by substantial evidence. Although the search did not return the exact phrase, it did show how the separate words are used, which helps to define its usage and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A central argument

Replaces 'primary contention' with a more straightforward expression of the main argument.

A key assertion

Substitutes 'contention' with 'assertion' emphasizing a confident statement.

A main claim

Uses 'claim' instead of 'contention' to denote a statement that needs support.

The principal argument

Employs 'principal' to highlight the most important argument.

The chief point

Replaces 'contention' with 'point', indicating the most significant aspect.

The foremost thesis

Uses 'thesis' to suggest a more formal or academic argument.

A leading argument

Emphasizes the prominence of the argument.

A core argument

Highlights the foundational nature of the argument.

The pivotal claim

Indicates that the claim is crucial or decisive.

The central proposition

Replaces 'contention' with 'proposition', often used in formal or philosophical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary contention" in a sentence?

You can use "a primary contention" to introduce the main argument or point of disagreement in a discussion or essay. For example: "The author's "primary contention" is that social media has a negative impact on mental health".

What's an alternative to using "a primary contention" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you might use alternatives like "main argument", "key assertion", or "central thesis" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a primary contention" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "a primary contention" is more suited for formal or academic contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "main point" or "big issue" may be more appropriate.

How does "a primary contention" differ from "a secondary contention"?

"A primary contention" refers to the main or most important argument, while "a secondary contention" refers to a supporting or less significant argument. Using the correct term helps clarify the hierarchy of your points.