contending that

USAGE SUMMARY

"contending that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce an argument or claim that someone is making. Example: The politician delivered a powerful speech contending that universal healthcare is a basic human right.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prison officials do not apply the credits to sex offenders, contending that would endanger public safety.

Los Angeles Times

Activision countersued, contending that the employees had been disloyal.

The New York Times

Contending that racism affected the team's image ignores this tradition.

The New York Times - Sports

Prior literature contending that corporate governance in Asia is poor ignores disclosure of self-dealing.

Handbook of Asian Finance Financial Markets and Sovereign Wealth Funds

Contending that Mr. Salim had wanted to be a martyr, Mr. Pepe added: "Guess what, Salim?

The New York Times

Iran has denied the claims, contending that its nuclear program will have only civilian uses.

The New York Times

Some creditors were outraged, contending that they deserved more and that unionized workers deserved less.

The New York Times

Already, one of his advisers is contending that Mr. Obama's strategies have "failed".

The New York Times

Conservative senators opposed the appointment, contending that Mr. Sonnenfeldt had years earlier leaked classified information.

The New York Times

Skyworks is contending that Advanced Analogic breached the ordinary course covenant in the parties' acquisition agreement.

The New York Times

He sued, contending that the dismissal had violated the sales contract.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contending that" to introduce a specific argument or viewpoint, ensuring it is followed by a clear and concise statement. This helps to accurately represent the position being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "contending that" when summarizing generally accepted facts or widely held beliefs. Reserve it for situations where a specific individual or group is putting forth a particular argument that may be debated or challenged.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contending that" is to introduce a subordinate clause that presents an argument or claim. It functions as a connector, linking the main clause with the specific viewpoint being expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contending that" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce a specific argument or claim. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its function is to connect a main clause with a subordinate clause presenting a particular viewpoint, often in situations where the claim might be debated or challenged. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal contexts, making it suitable for various registers. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a specific argument and is not misattributed to general facts. Consider alternative phrases like "asserting that" or "arguing that" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguing that

Emphasizes the act of presenting reasons or evidence to support a claim.

asserting that

Highlights a strong and confident declaration of a fact or belief.

claiming that

Indicates a statement of something as a fact, often without proof.

maintaining that

Suggests a persistent belief or assertion despite potential opposition.

alleging that

Implies an assertion made without proof, often of wrongdoing.

positing that

Formally proposes a theory or idea as the basis for reasoning.

hypothesizing that

Suggests forming a tentative explanation as a starting point for investigation.

theorizing that

Involves developing a set of ideas to explain a phenomenon.

suggesting that

Offers a possible explanation or course of action tentatively.

insisting that

Conveys a firm and forceful declaration of a particular belief.

FAQs

How can I use "contending that" in a sentence?

Use "contending that" to introduce a specific argument or viewpoint held by someone. For example, "The lawyer is "arguing that" the evidence was mishandled, contending that it should be inadmissible in court".

What are some alternatives to "contending that"?

Alternatives include "asserting that", "claiming that", "maintaining that", or "alleging that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "contending that"?

It is appropriate to use "contending that" when you want to highlight a particular argument or viewpoint that someone is putting forward, especially if it is a point of debate or discussion.

What's the difference between "contending that" and "claiming that"?

"Contending that" often implies a more reasoned or argued position, while "claiming that" can simply mean stating something as a fact, regardless of whether it is proven or supported by evidence.