contention of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contention of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where different ideas are in conflict or competition with each other. Example: "The debate showcased the contention of ideas between traditionalists and modernists in the field of education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The general contention of the idea of staged consent is that the passing of time between these informational phases may allow for learning and improve understanding.

European Journal of Human Genetics

[Ok there is a a lot of contention over the idea that A Bug's Life takes place post-apocalypse, but hear me out.

Huffington Post

Not surprisingly, few critics can agree on the contemporary canon or even on the idea of a canon, for to do so requires making assumptions about critical vocabulary and criteria, assumptions that themselves are points of contention, as are ideas about the function of criticism.

Johns Hopkins University

Wollstonecraft believed powerfully in the Enlightenment notion of progress, and rejected the contention that ancient ideas could not be improved upon.

Wikipedia

My contention here is that few important problems can be attended to without conflict of ideas and interests.

Harvard Business Review

It is Curtis's contention that in the constant distraction of our digital lives, we miss the larger play of ideas that shape them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One of the key points of contention in mediaeval Islamic thought concerned the possibility of metempsychosis, an idea that had permeated through the Neo-pythagoreanising Neoplatonism of Late Antiquity into Islam.

SEP

Learn to distract people from their bones of contention by offering better solutions, better ideas and better wins targeted at ensuring them of a winning outcome too, not one at their expense.

WikiHow

One of the biggest points of contention is the candidates' contrasting ideas on the economy.

Forbes

The University of Chicago is, in his contention, "our closest approximation to the idea of a great university," Mr. Cole said in our phone chat.

The New York Times

But the main point of contention was over an Arab idea for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, intended to put public pressure on Israel to scrap its nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contention of ideas" when you want to emphasize that different ideas are not just different but are actively competing or in conflict with each other. It's suitable for academic and formal contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "contention of ideas" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your style sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "clash of ideas" or "conflict of ideas" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contention of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, describing a situation where multiple ideas are in conflict or competition. It highlights the active disagreement and struggle between different concepts or viewpoints. Ludwig indicates it's a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contention of ideas" describes a state where different ideas are in conflict or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not overly common, it is suitable for formal and academic contexts, emphasizing the active disagreement between concepts. Alternatives like "clash of ideas" or "conflict of ideas" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider the specific context to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clash of ideas

Replaces "contention" with "clash", emphasizing a more forceful and direct opposition.

conflict of ideas

Substitutes "contention" with "conflict", highlighting the struggle and incompatibility between ideas.

battle of ideas

Uses "battle" instead of "contention", suggesting a more aggressive and competitive environment for the ideas.

disagreement on concepts

Rephrases the entire expression to focus on the disagreement regarding specific concepts.

ideological dispute

Highlights the ideological aspect of the disagreement, making it more specific to belief systems.

debate over principles

Focuses on the debate and discussion surrounding fundamental principles.

intellectual opposition

Emphasizes the intellectual nature of the disagreement and the opposing viewpoints.

variance in perspectives

Highlights the differences in perspective, rather than direct conflict.

differing viewpoints

A more neutral way to express that ideas are not aligned, without the implication of conflict.

divergence of thought

Indicates a splitting or branching out of different lines of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "contention of ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "contention of ideas" to describe situations where different concepts are in conflict or competition. For example: "The conference highlighted the contention of ideas within the field of artificial intelligence."

What are some alternatives to "contention of ideas"?

Alternatives include "clash of ideas", "conflict of ideas", or "battle of ideas", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contention of ideas" formal or informal language?

"Contention of ideas" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic or professional contexts. More informal alternatives might include phrases like "differing viewpoints" or "disagreement on concepts".

What's the difference between "contention of ideas" and "difference of opinion"?

"Contention of ideas" implies a more active conflict or competition between ideas, while "difference of opinion" simply suggests that there are differing viewpoints without necessarily implying a struggle or dispute.