contend that

USAGE SUMMARY

"contend that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express an opinion or argument which you must then support. Example: I contend that the current economic policies are not beneficial for the majority of citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They contend that disease necessarily involves biological malfunction.

SEP

The intelligence committee's Democrats contend that is factually incorrect.

Huffington Post

I contend that the reverse is true.

The Economist

Some contend that transparency has natural limits.

The Economist

Some contend that it already has.

The New York Times

I'll contend that to my dying day".

The New York Times

Others contend that it veers beyond that.

The New York Times

His loyalists contend that he was assassinated.

The New York Times

We contend that this is a misapplication of the ICF.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Some researchers contend that they did not use clothes.

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

We contend that this assumption is not valid.

Computer Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the statement following "contend that" is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contend that" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your style sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "argue that", "assert that", or "claim that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend that" functions as a reporting verb or introductory phrase. It introduces a statement, argument, or belief that the speaker or writer wishes to assert. Ludwig examples show it's used to present an opinion or position, often one that may be debated or require supporting evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contend that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an argument or viewpoint, commonly found in news, academic, and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and signals the presentation of an opinion that requires support. While widely used, varying your language with synonyms like "argue that" or "assert that" can enhance your writing. Remember to use "contend that" when you are prepared to support your statement with evidence or reasoning, and be mindful of the formality of your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert that

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal, suggesting a confident and forceful statement.

argue that

Implies presenting reasons or evidence to support a viewpoint.

maintain that

Suggests consistently holding a particular belief or opinion.

claim that

A general term for stating something as a fact, which may or may not be supported by evidence.

posit that

More formal and academic, implying a theoretical or hypothetical statement.

submit that

Often used in legal or formal contexts to introduce an argument.

hold that

To have an opinion or belief, especially one based on specific reasons.

insist that

To state or demand something forcefully, typically when others disagree or disbelieve.

profess that

To declare openly but sometimes insincerely.

allege that

Suggests a claim is made without conclusive proof, often used in legal or journalistic contexts.

FAQs

How to use "contend that" in a sentence?

"Contend that" is used to introduce a statement or argument that you believe to be true, often when it is a point of disagreement or requires further explanation. For example, "I contend that the current economic policies are unsustainable."

What can I say instead of "contend that"?

You can use alternatives like "argue that", "assert that", or "claim that" depending on the context.

Is "contend that" formal or informal?

"Contend that" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. It is less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "contend that" and "allege that"?

"Contend that" implies a belief or argument that you are prepared to support, while "allege that" suggests a claim is made without conclusive proof, often in legal or journalistic contexts. "Allege" can imply a degree of uncertainty or suspicion.