contend with each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contend with each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are competing or struggling against one another. Example: "In the debate, the candidates will contend with each other over various policy issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

As often in the novel, innocence and experience contend with each other in the use of words.

The Guardian - Books

It is fascinating now, as it must have been then, to watch the forces of politics and play contend with each other.

The New Yorker

So if you're worried about the potentially devastating effects such competition can have, when the world's greatest powers contend with each other and it gets violent, it's much more likely to happen in Asia today than in other parts of the world.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wireless channel is a shared medium and interference-limited where links contend with each other for channel use.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

In other words, any two flows and are said to strongly contend with each other if and only if or.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Given the above, it is easy to derive showing that and strongly contend with each other, and so do and.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Also dueling outside were television commentators, who contended with each other and with the court's refusal to allow cameras inside.

The New York Times

His four sons contended with each other to secure possession of the European provinces, which had been little affected by the Mongol invasion, and to reunite the Ottoman dominions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But many philosophical schools were present, and they contended with each other in a series of distinct and powerful oppositions: pragmatism against idealism, positivism against irrationalism, Marxism against liberalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Initially, their tale is told by a young sailor named Ishmael -- a close relative of the sailor boys who had been in charge of Melville's previous books -- but the first-person narrative soon fractures into multiple voices contending with each other as if taking turns in a stage play.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, the Polish monarchy continued to lose power to the magnates and gentry, which contended with each other for political dominance; and when Sigismund II Augustus ascended the throne (1548), he was obliged to manoeuvre between the magnates and the gentry while maintaining his father's policy of avoiding foreign conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contend with each other", ensure that the subjects involved are clearly defined and that the nature of their contention is evident from the context. This clarifies the relationship and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contend with each other" when the interaction is merely cooperation or collaboration. The phrase implies a degree of opposition or conflict, not simply working together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contend with each other" functions primarily as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating that two or more parties are engaged in a competitive or conflictual interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contend with each other" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe competitive or conflicting interactions between two or more parties. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is found in diverse contexts, from scientific discourse to news reporting. While alternatives like "compete against each other" or "struggle against one another" exist, "contend with each other" maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To effectively employ the phrase, ensure the subjects and nature of contention are clearly defined, avoiding its misuse in cooperative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete against each other

Focuses specifically on the competitive aspect of the interaction.

struggle against one another

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in the interaction.

vie with one another

Implies a strong desire to win or achieve something.

grapple with each other

Suggests a close and often physical struggle.

lock horns with each other

Idiomatic expression emphasizing a direct and confrontational conflict.

cross swords with each other

Suggests a verbal or intellectual conflict.

battle against each other

Implies a serious and potentially destructive conflict.

wrestle with each other

Suggests an intense and prolonged struggle, either physical or metaphorical.

oppose each other

Highlights the act of being in direct opposition.

fight against each other

Focuses on the combative aspect of the interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "contend with each other" to describe situations where individuals, groups, or forces are in competition or conflict. For example, "The two companies must "compete against each other" to dominate the market."

What are some alternatives to "contend with each other"?

Alternatives include "compete against each other", "struggle against one another", or "vie with one another", each carrying slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is it more formal to say "contend with each other" or "compete with each other"?

"Contend with each other" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "compete with each other", but both are generally suitable for professional and academic contexts. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "contend with each other" and "collaborate with each other"?

"Contend with each other" implies opposition or competition, while "collaborate with each other" suggests cooperation towards a common goal. These phrases have opposite meanings and should be used in appropriate contexts.