contend against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contend against" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase usually means to compete with or fight against something, usually in a figurative sense. For example, you could say, "The school's debate team will contend against rivals from across the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The commissioners argued that buildings based on Kempthorne's plans would be symbolic of the recent changes to the provision of poor relief; one assistant commissioner expressed the view that they would be something "the pauper would feel it was utterly impossible to contend against", and "give confidence to the Poor Law Guardians".

Wikipedia

Now they have to contend against state schools and universities.

The New Yorker

We contend against the forces of disaster and degeneration.

The Guardian

The mountain climbers in "Solo Faces" contend against both gravity and the vagaries of age.

The New York Times - Books

They think "these are the last days, when a righteous remnant must contend against Satanic forces".

The Guardian - Books

Why should people with melanoma (black) contend against people with liver cancer (emerald green) over limited resources?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Initial costs of solar-photovoltaics have remained a significant factor contending against the wide-spread utilization of solar energy.

Solar Energy

It's a point that even a few months ago some pundits may have contended against.

The Guardian - Sport

Southeast Asia has been the crossroads of many peoples who have been contending against each other for centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I wasn't contending against chauvinism, like George Eliot Mary Anne Evanss), or against puritanism, like Pauline Réage (Anne Desclos), or political repression, like Mo Yan Guan Moyee); the only thing I was struggling against was my own tendency toward self-defeat.

The New Yorker

On a typical night, there will be actual physical struggles and a great deal of bitter haggling over the particulars — over whether it will be she or I who keeps vigil as he bravely contends against his own fatigue, over how many stories will be read to him and which ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contend against" when you want to emphasize a struggle or competition against something, often with the implication of strategic effort or resistance. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "contend against" when a simpler verb like "oppose" or "resist" suffices. "Contend against" implies a more active and sustained effort, so reserve it for situations where that nuance is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend against" functions as a verb phrase, indicating active opposition or competition. As Ludwig AI underlines, it signifies a forceful engagement with a challenge, often implying strategic effort. The examples highlight its use in contexts ranging from political struggles to physical endurance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contend against" is a versatile verb phrase used to express opposition or competition, typically implying a sustained and determined effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various forms of professional communication. While synonyms like "compete with" and "fight against" exist, "contend against" adds a nuance of strategic engagement. When writing, use it when a simple phrase such as "oppose" does not capture the intensity and complexity of the struggle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete with

Focuses on the act of competing, omitting the sense of opposition inherent in "contend against".

fight against

Emphasizes direct opposition or conflict, lacking the nuance of strategic engagement.

struggle against

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in opposing something.

oppose

A more general term indicating disagreement or resistance, without the implication of active engagement.

combat

Suggests a more aggressive and direct confrontation, often in a military or strategic context.

vie with

Implies striving for superiority or victory, often in a competitive setting.

withstand

Focuses on enduring or resisting the effects of something, rather than actively opposing it.

challenge

Highlights the act of questioning or disputing something, rather than directly fighting against it.

resist

Indicates an effort to prevent something from happening or taking effect.

grapple with

Suggests a close and often difficult engagement, without necessarily implying direct opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "contend against" in a sentence?

You can use "contend against" to describe a situation where someone is struggling or competing with something. For example, "The company had to "contend against" fierce competition in the market".

What's the difference between "contend against" and "compete with"?

"Contend against" implies a more forceful or determined effort than "compete with". While both suggest rivalry, "contend against" often involves overcoming significant obstacles. The phrase "compete with" is more general.

Which is correct, "contend against" or "contend with"?

Both phrases are correct but have slightly different meanings. "Contend against" suggests opposition or struggle, while "contend with" means to deal with or manage a difficult situation.

What can I say instead of "contend against"?

You can use alternatives like "fight against", "struggle against", or "oppose" depending on the context.