contend otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contend otherwise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to disagree with a statement or opinion. Example: The artist claimed that the painting was worth thousands of dollars, but experts in the field contend otherwise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The National Gallery and its lawyers contend otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the simple truth – and to try to contend otherwise is immoral, Representative Ryan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mainstream medical groups say the fetal brain is not developed enough to feel pain at that stage of development, but a handful of doctors contend otherwise.

The New York Times

"We found that no one in the college's leadership directed or encouraged the VP's actions; the VP does not contend otherwise," the investigators said.

The New York Times

As such, there is no doubt that the state could, consistent with the federal Constitution, permit Promise Scholars to pursue a degree in devotional theology, and the state does not contend otherwise.

The New York Times

The police contend otherwise, with one former commander dubbing his music "technological kerosene" that made an already smoldering gang feud leap into four-alarm flames.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Williams contended otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

Judicial Watch contends otherwise and is seeking $90 million on behalf of people whose files were sent to the White House.

The New York Times

The accusations in the lawsuit are just that and ExamWorks contends otherwise, but it does appear that the sale process was less than perfect.

The New York Times

Last month, after the raids on the Media-Most office, Mr. Putin insisted that the actions had to do with possible crimes, not press freedoms, and he criticized the company for contending otherwise.

The New York Times

And though Allison contends otherwise, the campaign could pressure Vanguard.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contend otherwise" to politely but firmly express disagreement with a stated fact or opinion. It suggests a reasoned, rather than emotional, difference of opinion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "contend otherwise" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "disagree" or "think differently" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend otherwise" functions as a declarative phrase used to express disagreement or opposition to a previously stated claim or opinion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage implies that the speaker or writer holds a different viewpoint, often supported by some form of reasoning or evidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contend otherwise" is a grammatically sound way to express disagreement, indicating a reasoned difference of opinion rather than a simple contradiction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While applicable across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. When choosing to use it, consider its formal tone and the availability of simpler alternatives for casual settings. It's important to remember that this expression is more polite that other alternative phrases like "claim otherwise".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think otherwise

A more general way of expressing disagreement, but that maintains the core meaning and keeps the focus on the disagreement.

claim the reverse

Directly opposes the original statement, emphasizing that the truth is the complete opposite of what was initially said.

argue the contrary

Emphasizes the act of presenting arguments to oppose a particular viewpoint, shifting the focus to the reasoning behind the disagreement.

maintain the opposite

Highlights the act of consistently holding a conflicting position, implying a firm belief in an alternative viewpoint.

dispute that assertion

Highlights the act of challenging the validity of a claim, emphasizing the questionable nature of the original statement.

assert a different view

Focuses on confidently stating a differing opinion, suggesting a strong conviction in the alternative perspective.

take issue with that

Indicates a specific point of contention, suggesting a direct challenge to a particular aspect of the original statement.

hold a contrary opinion

Emphasizes the existence of a conflicting viewpoint, implying a personal perspective that differs from the original statement.

profess disagreement

Formally expresses a lack of agreement, often used in situations where a polite or respectful difference of opinion is necessary.

believe differently

Simplifies the disagreement to a difference in personal beliefs, suggesting a subjective rather than objective opposition.

FAQs

How to use "contend otherwise" in a sentence?

You can use "contend otherwise" to politely express a different opinion or to disagree with a statement. For example: "The company claimed record profits, but analysts "contend otherwise"."

What can I say instead of "contend otherwise"?

You can use alternatives like "think otherwise", "argue the contrary", or "maintain the opposite" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contend otherwise" or "contend to the contrary"?

"Contend otherwise" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Contend to the contrary" is also grammatically correct but can sound more formal and somewhat archaic.

What's the difference between "contend otherwise" and "claim otherwise"?

"Contend" suggests a more reasoned and supported argument, whereas "claim" can imply a less substantiated assertion. Therefore, when disagreeing with someone it's more polite to "contend otherwise" than to "claim otherwise".