being contested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being contested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is under dispute or challenge, such as an idea, decision, or event. Example: "The results of the election are being contested by several candidates who believe there were irregularities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is being contested".

The New York Times - Sports

Weeks after election day, it is still being contested.

The Economist

The other two spots are still being contested.

Independent

Four of the board's six seats are being contested.

The New York Times

The appeals are being contested by home secretary, Theresa May.

The Guardian

The man's estate is being contested by his two widows.

The New York Times

Today, in Ukraine, the war's legacy is still being contested.

The Guardian - Books

But now the jack's dominance is being contested.

The Guardian - Tech

This year it is not even being contested.

The Guardian

The two other seats are not being contested.

The New York Times

The oldest bridge event in the world still being contested is the Goldman Pairs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being contested", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the contesting and what is being contested. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "being contested" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler alternatives like "disputed" or "challenged" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a degree of formality that may sound unnatural in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being contested" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a noun is the recipient of the action of contesting. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in contexts where something is disputed or challenged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being contested" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase, primarily found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. It conveys that something is under dispute or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is contesting what. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly informal situations where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Related phrases include "under dispute" and "subject to challenge", each with slightly different nuances. The phrase's authoritative usage and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable addition to formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dispute

A more direct and concise way of saying that something is not agreed upon.

under dispute

Focuses on the state of being disputed or argued over, emphasizing the disagreement.

being challenged

Highlights the act of actively challenging something, implying a more forceful opposition.

subject to challenge

Emphasizes the potential for something to be questioned or opposed.

being argued

Emphasizes the active process of arguing or debating a point.

in contention

Highlights that something is subject to competition or rivalry, adding an element of active striving.

up for debate

Suggests that something is open for discussion and argument, often in a more informal setting.

subject to debate

Suggests that something is not settled and is open to different interpretations.

under appeal

Specifically refers to a legal challenge, implying a formal process of contesting a decision.

in litigation

Indicates that something is the subject of a lawsuit or legal proceedings.

FAQs

How to use "being contested" in a sentence?

Use "being contested" to indicate that something is under dispute or challenge. For example, "The election results are "being contested" by the opposition party".

What can I say instead of "being contested"?

You can use alternatives like "under dispute", "in contention", or "subject to challenge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "being contested" or "being challenged"?

Both "being contested" and "being challenged" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Being contested" implies a formal dispute, while "being challenged" suggests a more general opposition.

What's the difference between "being contested" and "being debated"?

"Being contested" suggests a dispute with potential legal or formal implications, while "being debated" implies an open discussion or argument.