contend with

USAGE SUMMARY

"contend with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to struggle with or come up against something, either literally or figuratively. For example, "He had to contend with a difficult boss during his time at the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There were greater things to contend with.

The New York Times - Arts

"You have to contend with it.

The New York Times

Then, there were fiefdoms to contend with.

The New Yorker

Ferguson had other problems to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

Neo-leftists contend with free-market capitalists.

The Economist

Cats contend with U.F.O.'s.

The New York Times - Books

He's someone to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he has Anderson to contend with.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, we had Vika to contend with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are other issues to contend with.

The Guardian

That's what you have to contend with.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contend with", consider the level of struggle involved. It implies more than simply dealing with something; it suggests a challenge or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "contend with" when a simpler term like "deal with" or "handle" would suffice. Using "contend with" for minor issues can sound overly dramatic or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend with" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun or pronoun, indicating the object or situation being struggled against. It expresses the act of grappling with difficulties, challenges, or opposition. Ludwig AI identifies its correct and usable status in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contend with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe facing challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While versatile, it's best suited for situations involving a significant degree of struggle, and alternatives like "deal with" may be more appropriate for simpler scenarios. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with

This is a more general and neutral term for handling something.

cope with

This implies managing or enduring something stressful.

grapple with

This suggests a more intense struggle or difficulty.

face up to

This emphasizes confronting something directly and bravely.

tackle

This implies a proactive and energetic approach to solving a problem.

wrestle with

Similar to 'grapple with', but can imply a more internal or intellectual struggle.

handle

A more straightforward and less intense way of saying 'deal with'.

combat

This suggests actively fighting against something, often a problem or disease.

take on

Implies accepting a challenge or responsibility.

bear

This suggests enduring something difficult or unpleasant.

FAQs

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

The phrase "contend with" is used to describe facing challenges or difficulties. For example: "The company had to contend with rising costs." or "The athlete had to "compete with" a strong field of opponents".

What are some alternatives to "contend with"?

Some alternatives include "deal with", "cope with", "grapple with", or "face up to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "contend with" or "compete with"?

"Contend with" generally refers to facing difficulties or challenges, while "compete with" refers to actively vying against others. If you're facing obstacles, use "contend with". If you're in a competition, use "compete with".

What's the difference between "contend with" and "deal with"?

"Contend with" implies a more significant struggle or challenge than "deal with". You might "deal with" a minor inconvenience, but you would "contend with" a major crisis.