contended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contended for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a position, argument, or claim that someone supports or argues in favor of. Example: "The lawyer contended for her client's innocence throughout the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Mets never really contended for Reyes.

The New York Times - Sports

Of the remaining teams, most have never contended for the title and most have lost money.

The New York Times - Sports

It is appropriate to say that Christianity has contended for a "holistic" view of the human.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hamlin won eight times last year and contended for the series title, which Jimmie Johnson won.

The New York Times - Sports

It is four years since he won his last major, three since he contended for victory.

Independent

Few of those golfers have even contended for a major championship.

The New York Times - Sports

The Marlins unexpectedly contended for a playoff spot and fell short.

The New York Times - Sports

When basketball became an Olympic sport, in 1936, the national team contended for a medal.

The New Yorker

They are different enough, Dr. Robins contended, for his company to win a separate patent.

The New York Times

But many of his supporters have contended for decades that he might have been killed by troops or snipers.

The New York Times

The two ideas of Europe -- universal and local -- have contended for possession since at least the first millennium.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contended for" to describe situations where there was active competition or advocacy to achieve a specific outcome or support a particular position.

Common error

Avoid using "contended for" when simply stating a preference without any active competition or struggle. Opt for a simpler verb like "wanted" or "desired" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contended for" is that of a verb phrase acting as a predicate. It typically describes an action where someone or something is in competition or actively arguing in favor of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contended for" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe situations involving competition or advocacy. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. While its register is generally neutral, understanding its specific nuances can help writers use it effectively to convey the intended meaning, avoiding misapplications in non-competitive scenarios. The phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, reinforcing its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Competed for

Replaces "contended" with a more direct synonym for competition.

Strove for

Emphasizes effort and aspiration towards a goal.

Vied for

Suggests a competitive effort to win something.

Battled for

Implies a more intense struggle or conflict.

Argued for

Focuses on advocating for a particular viewpoint or cause.

Advocated for

Highlights the act of publicly supporting or recommending something.

Pushed for

Suggests actively promoting or campaigning for something.

Championed

Emphasizes actively defending or supporting a cause or person.

Fought to secure

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in obtaining something.

Made a case for

Implies presenting reasons or arguments to support something.

FAQs

How can I use "contended for" in a sentence?

Use "contended for" to indicate that someone or something competed or argued strongly to gain something. For example: "Several companies "competed for" the contract."

What can I say instead of "contended for"?

You can use alternatives like ""competed for"", "strove for", or "vied for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contended for" or "contended against"?

"Contended for" is used when someone is competing to obtain something, while "contended against" is used when someone is opposing something. For example, "He "contended for" the title" versus "He "fought against" the proposal."

What's the difference between "contended for" and "argued for"?

"Contended for" implies a competitive situation where multiple parties are vying for the same thing, while "argued for" indicates supporting or advocating for a particular idea or cause. They are used in slightly different situations.