constant contention

USAGE SUMMARY

"constant contention" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means ongoing disagreement or argument. Example: The two siblings were in a state of constant contention, always fighting over the smallest things.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The result is a performance of staggering versatility in which the human and the simian seem to be in constant contention.

The Guardian

There are communities where the school boards are in constant contention with their superintendent (or each other), and others where district residents are frustrated because they think school board members are just a rubber stamp for administration proposals.

The New York Times

In Southern Rhodesia, too, where the BSAC developed commercial farming to attract immigrants and raise revenue, even the limited African reserves that had been set aside at imperial insistence were a subject of constant contention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I cringe at the constant contention that judges should be held "accountable".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The papers in [26, 27, 29] consider constant and optimal contention window size, respectively, and select the optimal contention window to maximize the throughput for networks of different scales.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It became a constant point of contention.

The New York Times

If it goes ahead, it will be a constant bone of contention.

The Guardian - Opinion

And forced bussing to achieve racial parity in schools was a constant bone of contention in southern politics throughout my own elementary school career.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tax was a constant source of contention with Western trading countries, which resented the petty levies their goods were subjected to in the interior of China because of the likin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While 95 percent of the comments are insightful and positive, those other 5 percent stick to the ribs like a good porterhouse, which we do not serve and which is a constant source of contention.

The New York Times

But without their key striker Vedad Ibisevic, who cannot get a start under Stevens, hasn't scored in 15 months and has become a constant bone of contention in the press conferences – "When will you ask why he didn't play?" Stevens demanded of the reporters on Friday – there's precious little action in the box.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constant contention" to describe situations where disagreement or conflict is a recurring and persistent feature. This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "constant contention" to describe temporary or isolated disagreements. The phrase implies a long-term, sustained conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constant contention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of ongoing disagreement or argument. Ludwig confirms this with examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constant contention" is a noun phrase indicating ongoing disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from diverse sources like news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. It is important to use it to describe recurring and persistent disputes. Although the phrase is valid, it is relatively rare compared to other similar expressions. Alternatives include "perpetual conflict", "ongoing dispute", and "continual discord".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perpetual conflict

Focuses on the continuous and unending nature of the conflict.

ongoing dispute

Emphasizes the presence of an unresolved disagreement.

continual discord

Highlights the lack of harmony and constant friction.

ceaseless argument

Stresses the never-ending nature of the argument.

unending strife

Implies a more intense and bitter conflict that never ceases.

chronic disagreement

Indicates a long-lasting and recurring pattern of disagreement.

persistent friction

Highlights the ongoing tension and rubbing of opposing forces.

incessant bickering

Focuses on petty and trivial arguments that occur frequently.

enduring animosity

Highlights the lasting feeling of hostility and resentment.

sustained opposition

Emphasizes the continuous resistance and disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "constant contention" to describe ongoing disagreements or conflicts. For instance, "The siblings were in a state of constant contention, always fighting over the smallest things".

What's a good alternative for "constant contention"?

Alternatives include "perpetual conflict", "ongoing dispute", or "continual discord", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "constant contention" or "constant conflict"?

Both "constant contention" and "constant conflict" are valid, but "constant contention" emphasizes the argumentative aspect of the situation. "Constant conflict" may imply a broader range of antagonistic interactions.

What is the difference between "constant contention" and "heated debate"?

"Constant contention" implies an ongoing state of disagreement, while "heated debate" refers to a specific instance of intense discussion. They aren't interchangeable since one describes the state while the other a precise moment.