contending vigorously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contending vigorously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is actively and forcefully arguing or competing for a position or belief. Example: "The candidates were contending vigorously during the debate, each trying to win over the audience with their arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opposition party, favoring independence, contended vigorously.

The New York Times

Appellant vigorously contends that the New Hampshire Subversive Activities Act of 1951 3 and the resolution creating the committee have been superseded by the Smith Act, as amended.

Cornell University

But the S.E.C. had vigorously contended that the offer violated Federal securities laws, in particular the Williams Act, which governs takeovers.

The New York Times

Louis B. Freeh, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and many of his assistants vigorously contended that the accusations required an independent investigation, according to memorandums that were later disclosed.

The New York Times

Tone vigorously contends the contrary -- that the development of these devices was advanced by birth control advocates to give women control over their bodies and reproductive lives.

The New York Times - Books

The upper rungs of the "embedded hierarchies" cited by Keohane's study are vigorously contended over by the élite fraternities and sororities, but the alpha partyers at Duke are the members of the men's lacrosse team.

The New Yorker

Through his spokesman, he has vigorously contended that he is innocent of any wrongdoing, a contention that his legal teams made to Major League Baseball when his business was vetted to buy the Dodgers.

The New York Times - Sports

These threats to our system of voting that must be addressed and vigorously contended against.

HuffPost

Environmental groups have vigorously fought the plan, contending that it would pose a threat to the two parks with air and noise pollution.

The New York Times

The rating agencies say they did not, and they have vigorously defended their actions, contending that their assessments of Enron's financial health accurately reflected the information they were given.

The New York Times

In 1995, when the MTA raised the fare 25 cents, to $1.50, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani vigorously attacked the agency, contending that it was badly managed.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contending vigorously" when you want to emphasize both the active nature of the contention and the strength or intensity with which it is pursued. It's particularly useful in formal writing or when describing situations involving strong disagreement or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "contending vigorously" in casual or informal settings. Its formality can sound out of place in everyday conversation or less formal writing; consider simpler alternatives like "arguing strongly" or "disagreeing actively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contending vigorously" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how someone is contending. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase emphasizes the active and forceful nature of the contention, which is supported by various examples in news, academic, and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contending vigorously" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe active and forceful contention. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, but particularly effective in formal writing where emphasis on the intensity of the contention is desired. While versatile, simpler alternatives might be preferable in very casual conversations. Its presence across news media, academic papers, and business documents highlights its utility in professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguing forcefully

Focuses on the strength and conviction of the argument being presented.

competing fiercely

Highlights the intensity and determination in the competitive aspect.

debating strenuously

Emphasizes the effort and energy put into the debate.

fighting hard

Conveys a strong sense of struggle and determination.

disputing actively

Highlights the active engagement in the disagreement.

challenging aggressively

Emphasizes a confrontational and assertive approach.

asserting vehemently

Focuses on the passionate and emphatic nature of the assertion.

maintaining strongly

Highlights the firmness and persistence in holding a particular view.

opposing resolutely

Emphasizes the firm and unwavering stance of opposition.

pursuing aggressively

Emphasizes a proactive and forceful approach towards achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

The phrase "contending vigorously" describes a situation where someone is arguing or competing with great energy and force. For example, "The two parties were contending vigorously over the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "contending vigorously"?

Alternatives to "contending vigorously" include "arguing forcefully", "competing fiercely", or "debating strenuously". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "contending vigorously" formal or informal?

"Contending vigorously" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, news, or professional writing. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "contending vigorously" and "arguing passionately"?

While both phrases suggest a strong disagreement, "contending vigorously" emphasizes the active and forceful nature of the contention, while "arguing passionately" highlights the emotional investment in the argument. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the action or the emotion.