contended with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contended with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is trying to deal with something, for example, a difficult problem or challenge. For example: "The manager contended with dozens of emails and calls throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I contended with powerful men.

The New Yorker

They are to be contended with".

The New York Times

"They've never contended with anything but visibility".

The New Yorker

Bonerman26 exists; his vileness should be contended with.

The New Yorker

Horgan hasn't contended with toddlers for a while.

The New Yorker

Parts of the region contended with minor flooding.

The New York Times

Local hotel receptionists contended with names containing þ and ð.

The New Yorker

In recent years, the company has contended with a global slump in aluminum demand.

The New York Times

The 14,600 runners who started this year's event contended with freezing temperatures and snow.

The New York Times - Sports

Though never mastered, they can be contended with, defied, and, at least in spirit, transcended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tobacco industry contended with many of 2007's major trends consolidation and regulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contended with" to describe how someone has directly faced and dealt with the obstacles

Common error

Avoid using "contended with" in casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "dealt with" or "faced" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contended with" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something has dealt with or struggled against a challenge or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in various contexts to describe managing or opposing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contended with" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe the act of facing and managing challenges or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing.

Its primary function is to convey a sense of active engagement and effort in overcoming obstacles. While suitable for both formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations. The phrase is deemed very common, appearing frequently in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

When using "contended with", aim to highlight the effort and persistence required in facing challenges. While it’s a valuable addition to your vocabulary, it’s crucial to avoid overuse, especially in informal settings where simpler phrases might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dealt with

This alternative is more general and lacks the sense of struggle or effort implied by "contended with".

grappled with

This alternative emphasizes a more intense and prolonged struggle than "contended with".

coped with

This alternative highlights the ability to manage or endure a difficult situation.

struggled against

This option focuses on the active resistance against something challenging.

combated

This term implies a more active and direct opposition to something than "contended with".

battled

This word suggests a prolonged and fierce conflict, more intense than "contended with".

faced

This alternative is a more neutral way of saying encountered or dealt with a problem.

navigated

This alternative emphasizes the skill and strategy involved in overcoming challenges.

managed

This term focuses on successfully handling a difficult situation or problem.

addressed

This alternative focuses on taking action to resolve or manage a problem.

FAQs

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

"Contended with" is used to describe facing and dealing with difficulties or challenges. For example: "The company "contended with" a global slump in aluminum demand."

What are some alternatives to "contended with"?

Alternatives include "dealt with", "grappled with", or "struggled against", depending on the context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is "contended with" formal or informal?

"Contended with" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but in more casual conversations, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

What's the difference between "contended with" and "faced"?

"Contended with" implies a more active and effortful engagement with a challenge, whereas "faced" simply means encountering or being confronted by a problem. "Contended with" conveys a sense of struggle and persistence.