can be contended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be contended" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that a particular argument or position can be argued or asserted as valid. Example: "It can be contended that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Though never mastered, they can be contended with, defied, and, at least in spirit, transcended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The protection of both amendments, it can be contended, is against the compulsory production of evidence to be used in criminal trials.

Cornell University

The neglect of 1 1 and 2 2 collisions can be rationalized by noting that the flow of momentum is not disturbed by such like-molecule collisions owing to the conservation of momentum, but it can be contended that the argument was simply invented to make the theory agree with experiment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Given that virtually all political theories, and certainly democratic ones, consider liberty and government to be largely at odds, it can be contended that Lincoln failed to put forward a coherent argument in his address.

Forbes

Although it can be contended whether the use of antibiotics in the food industry contributes to antimicrobial resistance, it is clear that food-borne pathogens also increasingly acquire resistance to antimicrobial interventions.

BMC Genomics

However, it can be contended that providing the descriptive system is valued on the same scale using the same variant of the same valuation technique, as was the case for the CAMPHOR and EQ-5D models, then the valuations should be comparable [ 25].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And how can it be contended that the defendant retains such a right when the contract has been discharged by his own act?

Harvard University

it can hardly be contended that the Company, a highly regulated public utility with a duty to serve the public, had a substantial interest in not providing assistance.

The Washington Post

"We do not believe that it can seriously be contended that the buyer was substantially induced to enter into these contracts on the basis of a defeasible right to reinstatement..

Harvard University

Moreover, it can hardly be contended that the Company, a highly regulated public utility with a duty to serve the public, 21 had a substantial interest in not providing assistance.

Cornell University

Moreover, it can hardly be contended that the Company, a highly regulated public utility with a duty to serve the public, had a substantial interest in not providing assistance.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be contended", ensure the statement that follows is debatable or arguable, not a universally accepted fact. This phrase introduces a point of view or interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be contended" to introduce obvious or self-evident statements. This phrase is most effective when presenting a nuanced or less obvious perspective. Instead of saying "It can be contended that the sky is blue" opt for more direct and assertive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be contended" functions as a modal verb phrase used to introduce a proposition or statement that is open to debate or argument. It indicates a potential viewpoint, as seen in the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be contended" serves as a modal verb phrase used to introduce arguable statements or viewpoints. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, the analysis shows the expression is often used in academic, news and scientific contexts to introduce arguments that are not universally accepted. Related phrases like "can be argued" or "can be asserted" can serve as alternatives depending on the nuance the author is looking to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be argued

Replaces 'contended' with 'argued', focusing on the act of presenting an argument.

can be asserted

Substitutes 'contended' with 'asserted', highlighting a strong declaration or affirmation.

can be maintained

Uses 'maintained' instead of 'contended', implying a continued defense of a position.

can be claimed

Replaces 'contended' with 'claimed', suggesting something is stated as a fact, possibly without proof.

can be posited

Employs 'posited' instead of 'contended', indicating a suggestion as a basis for reasoning.

can be proposed

Substitutes 'contended' with 'proposed', focusing on suggesting something for consideration.

can be hypothesized

Uses 'hypothesized' instead of 'contended', suggesting a testable explanation.

can be theorized

Replaces 'contended' with 'theorized', emphasizing the development of a systematic explanation.

can be suggested

Substitutes 'contended' with 'suggested', implying a more subtle or indirect argument.

can be submitted

Uses 'submitted' instead of 'contended', suggesting a formal presentation of an argument.

FAQs

How can I use "can be contended" in a sentence?

Use "can be contended" to introduce a statement that is arguable or debatable. For example, "It "can be contended" that early intervention is crucial for a child's development."

What are some alternatives to "can be contended"?

Alternatives include "can be argued", "can be asserted", or "can be maintained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be contend"?

No, the correct form is "can be contended". "Contended" is the past participle of the verb 'contend' and is needed after 'be' to form the passive voice.

What's the difference between "can be contended" and "is contended"?

"Can be contended" suggests a possibility or potential for argument, while "is contended" states that someone actually makes that argument. "It "can be contended" that X is true" means it's possible to argue X. "It is contended that X is true" means someone is currently arguing X.