contends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contends" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an assertion or claim that someone makes, often in a debate or argument. Example: "The author contends that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The motion contends Mosby's speech was in violation of the 14th amendment, which enshrines the right to equal protection under the law.

The Guardian

The WWF/ANU report contends that Australia is well placed to make an orderly and low-cost transition to decarbonisation if the government can send clear and predictable policy and regulatory signals to the market, and resist special pleading from the owners of carbon intensive assets.

The Guardian

He contends the Australian parliament is a 19th century model in a 21st century world.

The Guardian

He contends climate change is driven by the sun.

The Guardian

A corpse in Australia contends with humidity, intense ultraviolet rays, peculiar soils and geology and a unique array of insects and animals.

The Guardian

The motion also contends that another conflict of interest arises as Mosby accepted donations from the Gray family's lead attorney, William Murphy Jr, before her election to the position last year.

The Guardian

It is a very rare thing for a federal court in the United States to order the release of information that the government contends is properly classified.

The Guardian - Opinion

It contends there is no way doctors can continue to provide the dilation and evacuation procedure, and still comply with the new law, without altering their practice in a way that increases the complexity and risk of the abortion.

The Guardian

He also contends that police deliberately leaked to the media that he was the prime suspect for the murder in order to ensure he would not get a fair trial if ever charged, said Mr Creed.

The Guardian

The motion contends that as Nick Mosby represents Baltimore's seventh district, the location of Gray's arrest and where the heaviest rioting occurred in response to his death, Marilyn Mosby has a "professional and personal need in accommodating the needs of her husband", who allegedly stands to benefit politically if all six officers are convicted.

The Guardian

It contends that popular culture is becoming increasingly gentrified, not just in the elitism that still holds sway in so-called highbrow forms like opera and classical music, but in the drift of society at large towards privilege and exclusion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contends" when you want to express a formal disagreement or assertion, especially in academic or journalistic writing. It adds a layer of objectivity and emphasizes that the statement is an argument rather than a simple fact.

Common error

Avoid using "contends" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler verbs like "says" or "thinks" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contends" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense. It is used to indicate that someone is asserting a particular point of view or argument, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contends" is a verb that expresses a formal assertion or disagreement, frequently encountered in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it's appropriate for formal settings, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "asserts" or "argues" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With 59 real-world examples, "contends" proves to be a common and valuable term for expressing a position or argument in a sophisticated manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asserts

Implies a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

argues

Suggests reasoning and evidence are used to support a claim.

maintains

Indicates a sustained belief or position despite potential disagreement.

claims

Presents something as a fact but with less inherent support or evidence.

posits

Proposes an idea or theory, often for consideration or debate.

insists

Emphasizes the firmness of a belief or demand, sometimes against opposition.

alleges

States something as true without offering conclusive proof.

declares

Formally or emphatically states something.

submits

Suggests presenting an argument or proposal for consideration.

professes

Openly declares a feeling or belief.

FAQs

How to use "contends" in a sentence?

"Contends" is used to introduce a claim or argument, often in formal writing. For example, "The author contends that the evidence supports her hypothesis."

What can I say instead of "contends"?

You can use alternatives like "asserts", "argues", or "claims", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contends" or "states"?

Both "contends" and "states" are grammatically correct, but "contends" implies an argument or disagreement, while "states" simply indicates that something is being said.

What's the difference between "contends" and "argues"?

"Argues" implies a more active presentation of reasoning and evidence, whereas "contends" simply asserts a position. They are similar, but "argues" suggests a more developed line of reasoning.