contention

USAGE SUMMARY

'contention' is a valid word in written English.
It is a noun meaning a strong disagreement or a dispute between two or more people. For example, "The two sides had a long contention over the ownership of the property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes, Anthony Kennedy and the chief justice, John Roberts, appeared deeply sceptical of the government's contention that healthcare regulation is a special case that gives Congress the power to oblige individuals to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

"My contention is if the digital revolution was going to kill papers, it would have already done so, but I think the world is coming to understand the incredible duty that a paper performs in its society.

The Guardian

Wood will join the England squad today, although he is unlikely to be in contention for England's game in Paris next Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

The Donetsk airport has remained a main area of contention despite the ceasefire that has been violated by both sides.

The Guardian

The amount of money that will actually be spent under the ATS remains a matter of contention.

The Guardian

In the men's skeleton, Rudman's fiance, Kristan Bromley, was in fifth place after the opening two runs with a time of 1 45.80sec, giving him a chance to be in medal contention later today.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the big bones of contention in the Letwin/Alexander talks has been the future of the European arrest warrant which Tory right-wingers have put at the centre of their campaign for the repatriation of British powers from Brussels.

The Guardian

At his regular briefing at 11am, the prime minister's spokesman said Darling had decided to pay back money "for the avoidance of doubt" but the spokesman would not accept the contention put to him by journalists that the chancellor had done anything wrong.

The Guardian

Ronny Deila claimed Stefan Johansen is just one of several Celtic players in contention for the player of the year award after the Norway midfielder scored in the 2-0 win over Partick Thistle.

The Guardian - Sport

In the past few weeks these projections, combined with their own polling, have led Labour strategists to calculate that seats such as Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Finchley and Golders Green, and Battersea are now in contention – and Labour's "ground war" has been intensified accordingly.

The Guardian

The fact that LA scored highest was a particular bone of contention for those who feel an intense dislike for the City of Angels, while others questioned the non-appearance of Hong Kong, Monaco and more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contention" when you want to emphasize a point being argued or debated. For instance, in legal or academic writing, it highlights a specific claim or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "contention" when you mean "contentment". "Contention" refers to dispute or argument, while "contentment" means satisfaction or happiness. For example, use "contentment" when referring to a state of satisfaction, not "contention".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contention" is as a noun. It refers to a claim, argument, or point of disagreement that is being maintained or debated. As Ludwig AI confirms, "contention" typically indicates a position taken in an argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contention" functions as a noun, signifying a point of argument or disagreement. As Ludwig AI highlights, the word is grammatically correct and is most often found in news, sports, and opinion contexts. It is a versatile term for formal writing, but should not be confused with "contentment". By remembering these nuances and using related phrases appropriately, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing when expressing conflicting perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bone of contention

Identifies the primary issue causing ongoing disagreement.

point of contention

Specifically identifies an issue that causes disagreement.

matter of dispute

Highlights the existence of an unresolved disagreement.

disagreement

Focuses on the lack of consensus or harmony in opinion.

area of disagreement

Indicates a specific subject where parties do not agree.

argument

Emphasizes a verbal exchange of differing views.

dispute

Highlights a formal or legal disagreement.

debate

Implies a structured discussion of opposing viewpoints.

conflict

Suggests a more serious and potentially violent disagreement.

controversy

Refers to a prolonged public disagreement or debate.

FAQs

How can I use "contention" in a sentence?

You can use "contention" to refer to a point being argued or a state of dispute. For example, "It is my "contention" that the evidence supports my claim."

What are some synonyms for "contention"?

Alternatives to "contention" include "disagreement", "argument", and "dispute". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "contention" and "controversy"?

"Contention" often refers to a specific point of disagreement, while "controversy" implies a more prolonged and public dispute.

Is "contention" a formal or informal word?

"Contention" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for academic, legal, or professional contexts. In informal settings, words like "argument" or "disagreement" might be more appropriate.